Pros and Cons of Taking a Gap Year(s) Before Grad School
Taking a gap year (or several years) before applying to graduate school is a big decision, and there are pros and cons to consider. If you're a recent bachelor's graduate, you may be wondering whether a gap year is the right choice for you. In this article, we'll explore the reasons why you might want to take a gap year, as well as some of the drawbacks to consider before making a decision.
Pros of Taking a Gap Year Before Graduate School:
1. Gain Real-World Experience
The professional world can be vastly different from the academic world, and a gap year is an excellent opportunity to gain first-hand experience in your chosen field. This can include working at a company in your industry, volunteering, or even starting your own business. By doing so, you will gain a deeper understanding of what a career in your field entails, and how your skills and interests align with the role. This can then be valuable information when considering graduate programs, as well as make you a more attractive candidate to admissions committees. See our article in our applying to graduate school section about how to leverage your work experience on your grad school application!
2. Take Time to Recharge
Pursuing higher education can be an intense and demanding process, and a gap year can provide much-needed time to recharge and pursue personal interests. This can include traveling, taking up a new hobby, or pursuing community service work. All of these experiences can help you return to school with a renewed sense of purpose and increased motivation. Taking some time to recharge can also give you the space you didn’t have during hectic undergrad terms to help you figure out why you want to go to grad school.
3. Better Prepare for Graduate School
A gap year can be a great opportunity to better prepare for graduate school. This can include taking courses to brush up on prerequisites, attending workshops or conferences in your field, or getting involved in volunteer opportunities that relate to your field of study. These experiences can not only help you perform better in graduate school, but also demonstrate your commitment to your field to admissions committees.
For example, if you are considering pursuing a degree in Environmental Studies, taking a gap year to work for an environmental nonprofit, or participate in a sustainability program, can demonstrate your passion for the subject and make you a more attractive candidate to graduate programs. Similarly, if you are considering a degree in Education, taking a gap year to volunteer as a teacher's aide, or to lead educational programs in underserved communities, can give you hands-on experience and show your dedication to the field.
Cons of taking a gap year:
1. Loss of Momentum
Taking a gap year can result in a loss of academic and professional momentum that you had gained as a recent bachelor's graduate. This can make it challenging to transition back into an academic setting when you do decide to apply to graduate school, leading to a decrease in motivation and a longer period of time required to get back up to speed.
2. Financial Burden
A gap year can bring significant financial concerns, especially if you're not earning a salary or if you need to support yourself. This can make it difficult to save enough money to pay for graduate school, adding additional stress and worry to your life.
3. Delayed Career Progression
For those who are eager to start working in their chosen field, taking a gap year can delay your entry into the workforce. This can make it harder to build the professional experience and connections you'll need to advance your career, potentially putting you behind your peers who did not take a gap year.
For example, a recent bachelor's graduate who wants to pursue a career in finance may want to start working in their field as soon as possible to gain practical experience and make valuable connections. Taking a gap year could delay their entry into the workforce, potentially making it harder for them to gain the experience and connections needed to advance their career.
Similarly, for someone who wants to pursue a career in the non-profit sector, taking a gap year may not provide enough opportunities for hands-on experience or allow for the development of the necessary connections in their field.
Whether or not a gap year is the right choice for you will depend on your individual circumstances and goals. If you're considering taking a gap year, be sure to weigh the pros and cons carefully, and consult with a trusted advisor, such as a career counselor or academic advisor to help you make an informed decision.
