{"id":2811,"date":"2019-10-18T09:57:43","date_gmt":"2019-10-18T14:57:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/abound.college\/gradschool\/?post_type=advice&p=2811"},"modified":"2019-10-18T09:57:43","modified_gmt":"2019-10-18T14:57:43","slug":"should-you-go-to-grad-school-right-after-undergrad","status":"publish","type":"advice","link":"https:\/\/abound.college\/gradschool\/advice\/should-you-go-to-grad-school-right-after-undergrad\/","title":{"rendered":"Should You Go to Grad School Right After Undergrad?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Knowing <\/span>when<\/span><\/i> to go to grad school can be very tricky\u2014just another thing to think about aside from the consuming questions of where to go, how you\u2019ll pay for it, why it would support your goals, and which degree you\u2019ll choose. There are already so many factors to weigh to decide going to grad school in the first place, let alone <\/span>when<\/span><\/i>!<\/span><\/p>\n

When it comes down to it, you essentially have two options: you can either go either now, or you can go later. Making that \u2018<\/span>when\u2019 <\/span><\/i>decision isn\u2019t that simple, of course, but it can be further clarified when organized around these two broad (very broad) paths. And from here, you can begin to break down the pros and cons for each option. So what will it be: now or later?<\/span><\/p>\n

Know Thyself.<\/b><\/h3>\n

Socrates said, \u201cTo know thyself is the beginning of wisdom.\u201d And knowing thyself is at the very root of your decision of <\/span>when<\/span><\/i> to attend grad school. If you know yourself, then you know your goals\u2014both personal and professional, mental and emotional\u2014and can therefore rely more easily the wisdom that Socrates was talking about.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Take the time to ask yourself what your goals are. If you are unclear about your career field and education path, then maybe you need time to explore. If you have dreamed about in a particular industry since you were six, then continuing straight into your graduate field is the obvious next step.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

You might need time to figure out who you are and what you desire in life. But to take that time is to make all the difference in your peace of mind and self-assuredness. Goals and dreams and hopes can be ever evolving, a frankly beautiful \u2018gray zone\u2019 that comes with being human. But as you really understand yourself and the ways in which your goals are evolving, then you will be better able to know your <\/span>when.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Consider Your Finances.<\/b><\/h3>\n

Everything can feel so overwhelming you consider your grad school timeline\u2014especially when it comes to finances. While you\u2019re seeking yourself and writing down some goals, it\u2019s wise to take into account the financial aspect when you might attend grad school.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Are you going to apply for a fellowship or teaching assistantship? Would that make or break your decision of whether to go at all? Do your research on schools, prices, payment options, and repayment plans, but also note that, depending where you are in life, you may have other financial options available. For example, some companies may foot the bill or provide some financial assistance to help their employees earn their master\u2019s degree.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

You could save up some money to help pay for grad school, but putting aside too much time may put you in a position that makes it tough to break away from your career or find space in your schedule to go back to school at all. The further along you are\u2014whether that be in your career or your commitments to your family\u2014the harder it might be to delegate your time and money to such a large commitment as grad school. And the more your finances are in order, the more peace of mind you can have as you know that what you\u2019re paying for is really, truly what you desire.<\/span><\/p>\n

Take On A New Perspective.<\/b><\/h3>\n

On average, education takes up about a quarter (20 years) of one\u2019s life. You\u2019ve been in school since you were as young as four or five years old! Maybe a couple years of a break between undergrad and grad school can be beneficial. That\u2019s the power of perspective.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

No matter the circumstance, what you\u2019re feeling, and what others are saying, realize that perspective is key. If you believe that time is on your side no matter when you choose to go to grad school, then the power of your <\/span>\u2018when\u2019<\/span><\/i> doesn\u2019t have to have a strong hold on you.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Maybe you feel burned out from undergrad and want some space to explore the world outside of textbooks, mac n\u2019 cheese, and loud roommates. A change of pace could be enlightening. Or maybe you\u2019re riding a wave of achievement after receiving your bachelor\u2019s degree and can\u2019t wait to continue on toward that grad degree. That momentum could be what fuels your fire. And that\u2019s all up to you to find out.<\/span><\/p>\n

Take Away.\u00a0<\/b><\/h3>\n

So, whether you decide to pursue grad school immediately after undergrad, or if you want to wait a year or two (or ten!), there is comfort in knowing that there\u2019s no clear right or wrong decision. Each person\u2019s life is different, which means that there is no one-size-fits-all solution. But that doesn\u2019t mean you can\u2019t find clarity as you make <\/span>your<\/span><\/i> decision. All you need to do is seek to know yourself, consider your finances, and take on the mindset that, no matter what you choose, it\u2019s going to be the right decision for you.<\/span><\/p>\n

Once you are ready to start searching for grad schools, we\u2019re here to help. <\/span>Abound: Grad School<\/a><\/strong> is loaded with schools that provide the solid education and flexibility that you\u2019ll need no matter where you are in life.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

More Helpful Guides:<\/strong><\/h3>\n

When Should You Take the GRE?<\/a><\/p>\n

How Many Grad Schools Should You Apply to?<\/a><\/p>\n

Should I Use Rankings to Find a Grad School?<\/a><\/p>\n

Should I Enroll as a Part-Time or Full-Time Student<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

You essentially have two options: you can either go either now, or you can go later. Making that decision isn\u2019t that simple, but it can be further clarified when broken down into around these two broad paths. So what will it be: now or later?<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":2813,"template":"","class_list":["post-2811","advice","type-advice","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","abound_advice_topics-financial-aid","abound_advice_topics-thinking-about-grad-school"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nShould You Go to Grad School Right After Undergrad? - Abound: Grad School<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"There's no one-size-fits-all solution to whether or not you should pursue grad school immediately after undergrad. 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