When Should I Go to Grad School?
Reasons to Go to Grad School Immediately After Completing Undergrad:
- I am in school mode: I have the momentum and discipline to continue focusing on academics.
- I have fewer obligations now than I will in the future (bills, family, etc.)
- My desired career requires further education even for entry-level positions.
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Reasons to Wait to Go to Grad School:
- I want to confirm my career goals by getting more experience.
- I want to be more financially secure.
- I want more experience (1) because the grad program requires it, (2) to bring a broader worldview to my studies, and/or (3) to improve my chances of getting in.
- I want to have an employer pay for my additional education.
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This depends on you and the program(s) to which you want to apply. Often it is recommended that students start prepping for graduate school applications a year and a half before they would like to start the program.
