Does anyone know anything about taking time off before gradschool? Is it a good idea as far as schools go? What do they think about older people applying to graduate programs? I've heard mixed things... Thanks!!
there's nothing wrong with taking time off before graduate work. actually, it's more likely to be a good thing....
Most profs I've talked to think that it is a good idea to have some time off to experience the real world. If you can get some real-world experience in something somehow related to your field, all the better. For example, being in grad school for Anthropology, I know one person who did the Peace Corps, someone else who worked as the Native American consultant for a museum project, someone else who got a job doing grunt work in one of the research labs at the Smithsonian... Of course, not everyone got THAT impressive of jobs! Aside from any real-world experience, taking a year or two off between undergrad and grad school can help prevent you from burning out. And, having taken that time to see what else you can do (and what kind of salary you can bring in), and being able to talk about that on your statement of purpose, will show that you really are applying to grad school because this is what you love, not just for a lack of any better options.
thanks guys, good advice i really want to join the peace corps and i wasn't sure if i should join first and then gradschool or vice versa oh and i want to apply for psychology..more specfically counseling i may end up applying to social work programs and becomming a counselor that way
I think most Social Workers work in the field before going to gradschool. I'm not sure what the options are for counseling though, in terms of what you can do with just an undegrad degree. I think your best answer would come from someoen in the field you are most interested in persuing afer you graduate. I know people in the Peace Corps, and they've all had wonderful experiences.
I have an MSW and had several years of field experience before returning for the Masters. It was definitely a plus both in terms of experience/learning and respect from the Profs. Going to the Peace Corp could be a great foundation to entering the Human Service field. I lived a year the Amazon Basin in Peru and feel that that year was the most powerful and useful eduacation I could ever have received. Good Luck.
Perhaps, it may be advantageous to consider grad studies now,realize that circumstances sometimes do change & it could possibly be more difficult for you to do grad school some years from now.
I'm now retired from social work but have had about 30 years in the field. Mostly worked in mental health, counseling and mentoring, did some work in a rural heath clinic too. I liked the field but more and more the job became encumbered by paperwork to the point it was miserable. One of my sons is in a 4 year nursing program now and that seems to be a field with unlimited potential and lots of hands on people contact. If I were younger I'd sure consider nursing as a career.
Yeah, that's the thing that really appeals to be about nursing...is the large variety. From hands on patient care, to teaching, and case managment--which seems somewhat close to Social Work.
That's true -- life does sometimes get in the way. And I do know a few people who went straight through with no break between highschool, undergrad, to a phd program and they seem to be doing well. On the other hand, I've known plenty of people who have just gotten really burnt out. It totally depends on the person -- how well they know themselves, how well they know what they want to do, and how tired they are of being in school. And, well, this may be a bias that indicates that I've spent too much time in academia, but if you let life get in the way (except in the case of accidental pregnancy due to failed birth control or something comparable), then you probably didn't want it enough to succeed in grad school anyway. There's nothing wrong with that -- there may, instead, be something wrong with those of us who subject ourselves to this. I've known people who went to grad school just because they didn't know what else to do, and wound up doing so poorly that they pretty much shot their chances of getting in to any other grad program if they decide to go back after a few years off.
How far along in school are you? Have you had any psychology beyond Intro Psych? Go talk to your prof, start to get to know them during office hours, and talk to them about maybe doing grad school and what jobs you should look for if you want to take time off. Profs teach so many students every semester that it's easy for them to forget most of them... Going to office hours, getting to know your profs, will help you SOOO much when you are looking for letters of recommendation for grad school. Even if you do amazing stuff between undergrad and grad, it's good to have at least one letter from a prof. Also, if you still have time, I highly recommend looking into what opportunities there are at your school for undergraduate research. That will give you a taste of what you would be doing in grad school, which both helps you decide whether you really want to do grad school and looks impressive on applications, showing that you had this experience and loved it. My undergrad university had a couple of programs that you could apply to to get a stipend while doing your research, which is not much but every little bit helps!
YES, check-out the PEACE CORP!!! They may have compatable programs to fit your needs. I'd advise a break before grad school, IF you can afford to, especially if not really on your own responsible for all your own needs. I intend no offense to anyone, it's just realistic. However, if you want to get "ahead" quickly, then degree in hand goes farther faster! Life, itself is as important education!! In today's world people need to seriously consider life-long education in order to keep your knowledge base up to date!! Yes, live life, but don't let it distract you more education -- ever. Personally... I began college right after high school, '69, for a year and a half. Got married & began the more extensive life's lessons!!! Took a couple courses at the next college in '81. Returned again from '87 to '89, for 2 adult pilot programs with a Certificate in Mgt. & then a Cert. In Advanced Mgt. In "96, I went to another college for a year then tranferred to the university over the weekend for summer qtr! I was at OHIO '97 to '99 when I got a BSJ via The E. W. Scripps School Of Journalism (& praised at graduation -- my kids were all very distracting teens then). BUT, one of sons suddenly died, plus I'd pushed my old body too hard those 13 straight qtrs.!!!! I tried AmeriCorp but they gave me a BAD time!!! For most its good, though. Next, I took a few graduate level courses -- trying 2 other online schools, '01 & on, finally found this one in '05 & am nearly done with an M.Ed -- with a 4.0 GPA still (SO FAR), several health disabilities, 10 grandchildren, my online advocacy work, & at age 56!!! Someday, "when I grow-up" (!), I'd like a doctorate, my own established academy, books I've written, and, a LOT of naps too!!! LIVE LIFE & KEEP LEARNING, TOO!!!!! Peace, AngelFaith ~ The Angel Power Emporium~
