Hi!!! I'd love some advice - should I apply to grad schools now or wait for a year (or more...?)

[arslan629]

Hey everyone!
 

So I've been facing quite the dilemma for the past month or so... I can't decide whether grad school would be the best choice for me or not right now.

 

I'm currently a senior double majoring in Zoology and Conservation Biology, and minoring (getting a certificate) in Enviromental Studies. Though my undergrad studies were more science-oriented, I've done a few internships that were more focused on communication and education and I thoroughly enjoyed them. For example, last summer, I interned at the Association of Zoos & Aquariums doing stuff like editing animal care manuals, writing content for webpages, and administration for a citizen science program. Currently, I work part-time at a small environmental nonprofit as the assistant field trip coordinator - once again, something more focused on writing and education. I've only had one stint oriented towards research, and I didn't enjoy it as much... I definitely love science but things like math and quantitative thinking don't come to me as naturally. I don't see a future for myself as a field researcher. Ultimately, I'd love to work at a nonprofit like the WWF or Nature Conservancy doing things related to endangered species recovery or wildlife protection!!

 

I've been looking around at different schools - and I've shortlisted a few that might have relevant programs. Some examples are:

• M.A. in Environmental Conservation Education from NYU-Steinhardt
• M.S. in Sustainable Development & Conservation Biology at University of Maryland
• M.S. in Environmental Conservation from University of Massachusetts - Amherst
• M.S. in Natural Resources (with a concentration in Behavior, Education and Communication) - University of Michigan

- and a few more. I know these all seem pretty different but I mainly chose them because of their blend of both natural and and social science, with more of a focus on the sociocultural aspects of conservation.

 

I've already taken the GRE twice, and got 165VR/157QR/5.0AW the first time around and 162VR/160QR/4.5AW the second time. I also have two professors and two former employers set up to write my LORs. My GPA is 3.62 (I know... not phenomenal) - and I'm in the honors program.

 

So here are my two main questions:

 

1) I'm sorry to bug you guys with this question, because I know it must get asked a lot on this forum - but, what are my chances of getting into the kinds of programs I listed with my current credentials?

 

2) Should I go to grad school at all right now, or would it be more beneficial to work for a year or two? This is the option I've been leaning more towards... For my entire undergrad career my intention was to go on to grad school immediately afterwards, because I thought that's what you're "supposed" to do if you have the means to. However, the more people I talk to, the more a year or two outside of school sounds very attractive. First of all, it would help me get some work experience under my belt, which I'm told looks good on applications. Secondly, it would allow me to further hone my interests and really contextualize what I'd learn in grad school. Finally, it would give me a much needed break from school - I'm already feeling the burn-out and senioritis! I'd love to travel and volunteer and maybe even do something abroad with an organization like the Peace Corps!

 

The only thing I'm worried about is how difficult it might be to break back into the school environment after being out for a while. Is it difficult? I really do want to go, I'm just not sure when. And I've been told that sometimes "life happens" and you simply can't go back because of how many responsibilites you have (family, relationship, kids??, etc.). My ideal plan if I were to take off would be to return within the next 5 years (mainly because that's how long GRE scores last... haha )

 

Bonus question: has anyone gone "straight on through" from undergrad to grad? What's it like?

 

--------------

 

Sorry for the huge post but I would greatly appreciate some advice, I'm getting really stressed out about this decision, and I know application deadlines are right around the corner. Thank you all so much!!!

 

P.S. Sorry if this is in the wrong forum/subforum, I wasn't completely sure where this should go...)

[TakeMyCoffeeBlack]

I think your credentials are fine. When you send your GRE scores, you might even include both (there's an option for it). At best, they take the highest from both scores to make a "high report card," at worst they look at it all and see your verbal is between 162 and 165, and your Q between 157 an 160. 

 

As for starting now or waiting, that's up to you. Are you ready to move on to the next academic endeavor, or do you need a break and different experiences?

[ProfMoriarty]

I have heard mixed opinions on the topic of waiting some time vs. going straight into grad school. I believe both have their advantages and you should weight them out according to your particular situation.

 

A lot of people opt for taking a break because they are tired of studying. They need to take a mental break from it. The argument I have heard against this is that you have the impulse of all those years of study. If you take a break NOW, getting back into the school mindset might not be so easy once you do go to grad school.

 

I've heard many say that some graduate programs have started to place age maximums on their admissions (even if they don't explicitly say so), the same way some scholarships do. Therefore, if you take a break (which may prolong itself depending on how it all works out) you may not be able to qualify for some programs in the future. (Not sure on how valid this is, but I've heard it from several sources).

 

A lot of people who decide to wait in order to work never actually end up going to grad school because the opportunities they've gotten at their job are more appealing than going back to school.

 

Obviously work experience looks wonderful on your application. I'm actually kind of bummed myself because the Chevening scholarships to study in the UK require that you have 2 years work experience minimum and I have never worked in my life

[socioholic]

I think the decision to stay in school should be based on whether you need to- can you do the work you want to do without going to grad school? Look at job openings in your field; what matters more: experience or education?

 

Going back to school after a break isn't easy but it's not that difficult, especially when you know you need to additional education...it's like riding a bike.