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Taking off a year

Smartso
edited August 2007 in General
When discussing plans to apply to grad school with my adviser, she recommended I take some time off after undergrad. She said that students that did so were generally considered to be more serious applicants because they weren't applying to grad school for lack of any other plans, and that I would be able to spend more time on the application process (and would have my thesis completed, etc.). My question is, I was planning on deferring repayment of my student loans during grad school, and if I take off a year, I obviously won't have this option (at least for the time I've taken off). For those of you who have taken off time, how did you manage juggling other financial responsibilities in addition to repaying student loans?

Comments

  • imelting
    edited June 2007
    its just a certain viewpoint, if grad school is what you want to do, just do it now

    dont delay it just because the advisor said that, tons of ppl apply for grad school after undergrad and have gone to had brilliant careers

    i can say something like, 'going to grad school right after your undergrad simply demonstrates your determination to better yourself to reach another level in your academic career'
  • Malakaiii
    edited June 2007
    I agree that you should make the choice because its what you want to do and not just because she suggested it. Personally, I think it sounds awesome to take a year off and get your head back in the real world for a while, but it's completely your choice.

    As far as loans go, my student line of credit at TD Bank has a 1 year "grace period" for when I'm not in school before I have to start making payments. You might want to check and see if there is something similar with your loan. Hell, try going in and talking with someone and see if they can introduce a grace period and maybe let you pay interest only during that time. They just might do it if they know you'll be taking out a bunch more money when you return to go to grad school.
  • da_prodigy
    edited June 2007
    If you feel you need the break, take it. Don't do it just because the advisor said to. There's a lot of factors you need to consider ie. financial, family, and career aspects.
  • Insatiable
    edited June 2007
    Smartso;13298 said:
    When discussing plans to apply to grad school with my adviser, she recommended I take some time off after undergrad. She said that students that did so were generally considered to be more serious applicants because they weren't applying to grad school for lack of any other plans, and that I would be able to spend more time on the application process (and would have my thesis completed, etc.). My question is, I was planning on deferring repayment of my student loans during grad school, and if I take off a year, I obviously won't have this option (at least for the time I've taken off). For those of you who have taken off time, how did you manage juggling other financial responsibilities in addition to repaying student loans?
    I honestly think this advisor of yours somewhat exceeded her role as an advisor. She's supposed to tell you stuff about classes and university policy and she tells you to take a year off? Like what the hell?

    And about the loans, yes, you will probably have to pay them off; so if you're taking a year off, you should work before going to graduate school.

    Best of luck.
  • baby e
    edited August 2007
    I think its a good idea to take a year or two off. Get your priorities straight and figure out exactly what you want to do.

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