<p>So at this point in time in the application process, I have all but signed the dotted line to attend graduate school in the Fall, I will be pursuing a biochemistry PhD.</p>
<p>My question to you all, attending or about to attend, is what do you do the summer before you enter a graduate program? I am aware of some schools offering extra research rotations for first year students, but at the same time I imagine there has to be other options. Travel? Other research options? Get a job? I am just looking for some experiences here I guess, as the summer is quickly approaching! (For reference, I am still an undergrad)</p>
<p>Some schools offer internships with industry over the summer or you can get a head start on your research. However, almost all of the graduate students I’ve talked to during interviews have advised me not to do research over the summer so as not to be worn out when the semester actually starts, and I think this makes a lot of sense.</p>
<p>My friends did all sorts of things the summer before grad school: earn money, start their research only, travel, spend time with family and friends, study for preliminary or qualifying exams…</p>
<p>I talked to a number of current grad students who recommended a summer rotation because, at these schools, your first Fall is the most intense coursework you’ll have as a grad student. Of course, you’ll be rotating then too. Just a matter of how you want to start off - especially something to consider if you’re moving to a new city.</p>