Does Taking a Gap Year Between BSc and MSc Affect Future Study Prospects?

[abhishek99087]

Hey guys, i really need your help on this.

I completed a 3 years BSc in physics in april 2013. However i am not at all satisfied with my preparation (the teachers at my college were hardly interested,yes that's the state of pure physics in my university!). I am planning to take a gap of a couple of years, indulging deeply in the subjects that i have learned so far and those which interest me and then pursue my masters. Is that ok or will that hamper my chances of pursuing grad studies in the future from,say, US. What do you think? I am 22 years old and interested in high energy physics/astrophysics.

 

[Simon Bridge]

Depends on the grad school - seek advise from the schools you plan to apply to.
Usually a college will have a program for people who are not quite ready after a bachelors so I cannot stress too much the importance of talking to the school.

Generally, taking time off before grad school is unlikely to make much difference to entry. I had 4 years between BSc and the start of MSc ... but I suspect it will make a difference if you want to go from BSc(Hons) to a PhD program (my college did not offer that option). Often a college will offer a postgrad diploma to someone they feel is borderline ... the papers can be transferred to the MSc or PhD program if your initial marks look good.

BTW: it is bad practice to put "please reply to this" in the title - put your question in the title.

 

[abhishek99087]

OK, I will certainly put precise words in the title henceforth.
Do you know about admission process in MSc programs in Canada (or any other country for that matter) after a 3 year BSc. Will a good PGRE and TOEFL/IELTS score suffice?

 

[Simon Bridge]

It dies not matter which country you are in, the admission policies will depend on the individual college. You have to ask them. They usually publish their requirements.

 

[abhishek99087]

OK, i will look up. Any more advice will be appreciated . Thanks a lot!