So for years I thought I wanted to go to Grad School, but the past half year I have been unsure. I am about to attain my BS in a Science field, I took my GRE and talked to faculty at both my school and at prospective grad programs. I was going to apply at places literally the day I got back to school after winter break (the 5th), but now I have completely changed my mind.
For one, I feel like I am well behind the curve when it comes to applying, most applicants have applied by now so my chances of getting aid look pretty bleak, but more importantly my heart is just not “in it”. I have lost interest in my field, and the idea of taking on extensive debt to become an underpaid academic no longer looks very appealing to me. I think I need to take a year or two off to find myself, and find my passion…what I really want to do with my life. Once I figure this out, then I can apply to graduate school in the future.
Does this sound like a good idea to the experts here? Do you have any suggestions on things I can look into that might help me “find my calling”? My educational background is in Geographic Information Systems, Cartographic Science, and Emergency Management. Thank you!
“I think I need to take a year or two off to find myself, and find my passion…what I really want to do with my life. Once I figure this out, then I can apply to graduate school in the future.”
This makes a lot of sense. No reason to go to grad school if you aren’t sure why you’re there and what you want to achieve. Many people need a break between UG and grad school.
This is worth looking at:
http://scienceblogs.com/startswithabang/2013/03/28/advice-should-you-get-your-phd
My oldest son went to undergrad and double majored in science, planning to go on to vet school. By the time he got out he was so burned out from school he took a year off to work in a local vet office and realized he no longer wanted to be a vet. He is applying now to grad school in a totally different career path and hopefully he will get in where he wants. BUT, taking a year off really seemed to clear his head…
I would take off some time and work for a while before going to graduate school. Especially if you can find work in your field, you might get some insights about what graduate programs will eventually be the best fit for you.
Thank you everyone for your suggestions, I really appreciate the help.