Gap Year? ugh.

[hopefulJD]

It looks like I will have to end up choosing between a one-year fairly prestigious master's program in the UK vs. an average 2-year MA in the US. I'm not really that worried about the level of prestige that either program carries, but rather their length.

With the 1-year program in the UK, I'll be applying to PhD programs after I'm done with the program, whereas with the 2-year MA program I'll still be in school while applying for the PhD. I wouldn't mind choosing the 1-year MA but I'm not at all sure what I'd do in that gap year besides apply to Phd programs. Has anyone been in this position? What do gap-year students who are recent graduates of 1-year MA's customarily do?

I feel like still being in school and having something to do while applying for the PhD sounds so much better than the uncertainty of the alternative option. But I don't want this to be the sole factor in choosing what route to take, so any help is appreciated!

[DualCitizenIR]

If it were me, I would enjoy being able to have free time to devote to applications. When I was applying to master's programs, I was in my last semester of undergrad, and thus wasn't able to focus that much on applications until after I graduated. I even had to skip applying to some programs with early deadlines. Then again, I am sure I (and others in my situation) could have done much better but I am a procrastinator...

[rkg2012]

I chose a one year UK program, but I applied during my fall term, which has worked out well so far (I have pretty good PhD acceptances). The trick was getting to know my adviser well so he could write me a strong recommendation. I didn't want a gap year, since I don't really know what to do (that would be useful) and I really don't want to start paying back my loans just yet. I guess it depends on your field and whether you could get a job/internship for the gap year.

Edit: On the other hand, it's not entirely pleasant to apply during two consecutive cycles, and I have to hand in my masters thesis early to attend a US PhD.

Edited March 4, 2012 by rkg2012

[SeriousSillyPutty]

Is it too cliche to teach English abroad for a year? Being able to discus an experience outside the classroom (whatever it is) can strengthen one's application.

[maeisenb]

I was in the exact same position and am finishing up my gap year now, which I would highly suggest. If you know exactly what you want to do in the fall of your program like rkg2012, then that's great and by all means create a strong relationship with faculty and apply that fall. That being said, I've found that since you finish in September with the MA, you can come home and immediately start on your applications and have a lot more time to devote to those for the entire fall. If your parents are fine with you living at home for a few months (or you can live somewhere else for cheap) while you do that, then get a retail or a temp job to pay the odd bills and survive while using the time to: contact professors, really write a terrific SOP, and edit your writing sample (which will probably be a condensed version of your MA thesis). You'll know your professors really well after a year, so you'll have 2-3 great letters and will probably know a lot more about what you want to work on after doing your MA thesis.

Don't worry about what it will look like when you apply that you're taking a year off because programs will know that you finished in September - rather than May or June - so there is in reality only a 2-3 month gap. Then by the time you're done with applications in December or early January it's only 6-8 weeks until you hear back and you can temp or something in that time. If you get in places, then keep temping or working retail until you want to leave or, if you don't get in, then you can apply for full time jobs.

I highly recommend taking the year off as long as you are ok temping or doing other odd jobs for a few months and you can also look at it as just a little time off before your program starts. Your letters of rec will probably be better and so will your writing sample. Plus, if you don't take the year off you'll be rushed to finish your MA thesis by August, since you'll have to move back to the US to start your PhD program before you're done with it.

[hopefulJD]

Thank you for all the comments so far!

I definitely think it's more advantageous to apply after having all master's courses and thesis under your belt, not to mention the strong relationships with advisors and other faculty members. After all, I'm getting the master's to bolster my application considering my below average undergraduate GPA (~3.5) and research experience.

English teacher? Retail job? Any kind of job just to get by for a year? These are all things I thought about. But it's reassuring to hear that it is what others do as well. If anyone else has further suggestions, please say so!