<p>I am a Molecular Biology post-bacc (graduated with a BS in Biology in May) who will be ceasing studies for next semester. I am wondering if universities will expect me to do more research in my time leading up to the start of grad programs in the fall. Right now I have a connection for a job not relevant to the field but pays well and will give me time to work on my other passions/projects. I also hope to save up some cash to go abroad later in the summer as well. </p>
<p>I feel this is reasonable way to spend my time off but I wanted to see what others had to say. I know that more research experience is better, but considering the time frame and what others have told me it may be difficult securing a gig as a tech or assistant for <1 year.</p>
<p>Your plan should not be a problem. Just make sure you secure letters of reference before you go off on your travels. If you can complete your graduate applications before heading off that will be even better. Graduate programs don’t really care what you are doing in the period from your application to when you enter as long as you don’t fail to get your degree. In your case that is not a problem.</p>
<p>Are you planning to apply next fall for entry Fall 2015? Or did you apply for entry Fall 2014 and are waiting to hear back? It sounds like the latter is the issue.</p>
<p>In that case, no. I got into grad school during college, and I spent the summer between college and grad school lounging at home reading books. If I had had the money, I would’ve traveled abroad too.</p>
<p>If you have student debt, I would definitely say that while it’s way less fun, take the job. The kinds of opportunities you get in the long term from having no debt as a grad student are pretty great (Not living in abject poverty! Real vacations! Real-person food!). That said, if you have no debt AND if you’re already accepted into a program, get the heck out of the country. The time between undergrad and grad school is basically the most convenient time in your life to go backpacking. This is a win-win situation, so when you make your choice, don’t second guess yourself.</p>