[rdgrad15]

Hii everyone, I was wondering, how long do people usually wait to start grad school after graduating from undergrad? I want to start soon but need more experience but is a 2 year gap usually the most common? Or is there no real set time frame? Just curious.

[DesigningWoman]

I have never heard of any time frame. I started my first program the semester after leaving undergrad and my second more than 15 years later. You will find All ages and life and work experiences in grad programs. Whenever you are ready, the programs will still be there.

[starryprince]

I actually didn't wait. I went straight to grad school after I graduated from undergrad and I have one semester left until I get my masters. Other classmates did the same thing that I did. Other people took a year off. Other people took 2 years off. I know some older folks who took YEARS off, started a family, had children, and decided they wanted to come back to school. There really is no set time frame. Do what feels right to you. I just decided to go straight on to grad school because it was hard getting a job with a BA in my field. It's all personal preferences. I really like what DesigningWoman said: "the programs will still be there".

[cheshiregrins]

I waited 2 years because I wasn't sure what graduate degree I wanted to pursue.

[alicetailor]

Originally Posted by rdgrad15

Hii everyone, I was wondering, how long do people usually wait to start grad school after graduating from undergrad? I want to start soon but need more experience but is a 2 year gap usually the most common? Or is there no real set time frame? Just curious.

There should be no time gap between your grad and post grad studies.

[Talthybius]

You don't explain why you need a gap. If you want to go to grad school, do it right away. If you aren't sure, wait till you are sure, and more importantly do something that makes you be sure sooner than later, then do it right away.

[rdgrad15]

Originally Posted by alicetailor

There should be no time gap between your grad and post grad studies.

I attempted it but failed at having a good application and enough experience. Plus I couldn't pass the Miller Analogies Test. But I am still trying to get in.

[seeker1950]

You'll love, I mean, LOVE, grad school. Me, I waited till I was in my 50's! It was so much harder because I waited, but I had life obligations that prevented me. I loved it, but at my age, it was SO much more of a challenge, as I was working full time as well. I say, don't wait, and go for it!

[952p65823]

As you can see, this is totally variable. I went back an even fifteen years after college graduation.

[Strive4health]

I think you should start grad school at a time you believe is best.

When it comes to one's own academic and career aspirations, the only person who knows what you can and can't handle is you. When I was an undergrad, I had a lot of pressure to go to grad school right away or else I might never go. It turns out I didn't want to go to grad school, changed my mind about my program, and now am back in school for a different undergrad degree. I like what I'm doing now. Make the decisions best for you because you never know where life can take you.

[LifeInDarkness]

My undergrad class just graduated, and I'm going to grad school right away, but the most popular option is taking 1 year off. I don't know if this means they will only take 1 year off though, haha.

[rdgrad15]

Originally Posted by LifeInDarkness

My undergrad class just graduated, and I'm going to grad school right away, but the most popular option is taking 1 year off. I don't know if this means they will only take 1 year off though, haha.

Yeah I tried to go to grad school right away but couldn't. This will be my second year off. I hope I can get into grad school by next fall. Don't want to wait forever.

[Perna]

Yes, I went to grad school right away but then dropped out a couple semesters later. Something to be said about stopping to think and plan for a bit before jumping into the next act. I just continued doing what I had been doing and that didn't work out for me and I ended up flailing around for a few months before my next life's "project" presented itself.

[Jewelsmom]

Not sure but I'm in the same boat. I'm thinking about applying for next semester but hell if I know what to do! Not sure what I want to study altogether and I'm not sure how to gain experience but am
Looking for a temporary job the meantime.

[alicetailor]

Originally Posted by rdgrad15

I attempted it but failed at having a good application and enough experience. Plus I couldn't pass the Miller Analogies Test. But I am still trying to get in.

rdgrad15, good to hear that you are still trying.