<p>If I want to consider grad school several years after graduating from college, is the application process any different? (I graduated with a chemical engineering degree this past spring and will probably continue studying cheme in grad school).</p>
<p>What would I do for things like recommendations? I also haven't even started looking into the GRE. Is it best to take the test as soon as possible (after studying a bit)? or closer to the application?</p>
<p>Please help! Thanks.</p>
<p>I worked for four years between undergrad and grad school. My recommendations came from my PI and other PIs in the department that I worked in as a technician. Several years after graduation you should be able to find relevant recommenders that are familiar with your scientific abilities.</p>
<p>Typically schools want GRE scores from within the last 5 years, so if you don’t plan to go to grad school in the next 5 years you shouldn’t take them.</p>
<p>Thanks for the replies. I see myself applying to grad school in a couple years, but not entirely sure as of yet.</p>
<p>belevitt: Can I ask whether you planned on returning for grad school after you had graduated? Or did you originally not plan on attending grad school but found the need or desire to return? Thanks again!</p>
<p>Can’t say I am in your boat, but I know what a couple people in my program did who were several years out of undergrad. They actually knew what school would work best for them (where they and their family live, where they work, etc) and registered for one class a year ahead. They then worked really hard and relied on the recommendation of the professor, because on the application, it asks if you have spoken with any of the professors.</p>
<p>I guess I had always expected to do a graduate degree but I viewed that time as an opportunity to do things I never would get another chance to do again eg try out industry, try working with animals, try immunology</p>