Physics major taking a 1 year break between undergraduate and graduate school?

[majormuss]

I am a physics major currently scheduled to graduate next May. However, I want to take a 1 year break before going on to graduate school. What are some worthwhile things that I can do during that 1 year break? I definitely want to do something/ or join a program that is travelling-related without having to pay the expenses. I am looking for helpful suggestions. Thanks!

 

[Choppy]

A lot depends on why you're taking that break and what you deep as "worthwhile."

If you just need a break, take some time and look into some work-travel programs that are aimed at younger people. Make sure to crack the books open once in a while though, as your brain can atrophy. You could also consider something like military service, although that generally comes with a commitment of more than a year if you plan to do it full time, and it's not for everyone.

If you're looking to boost your graduate school application, then it's probably best to take a few extra courses or try to get some research experience as a lab assistant.

 

[Vanadium 50]

Choppy is right. If you're willing to go for two years, there's the Peace Corps.

 

[OldEngr63]

Think very hard about this. Time away from school at that point can be very difficult to overcome. I took a year away (to work) after an MS, and I decided rather quickly that if I did not go back quickly, I would never finish a PhD. We are all susceptible to developing other interest and commitments (a spouse, a house, a boat, etc.), so ... think very hard about it.

 

[F=qE]

Just to add my own thought here... I recently started grad school. I hadn't seen math in almost 3 years (because I tested out of classes and took some early) and now math is by far my hardest class. By putting a year between you and grad school, you are going to make every class that much harder.

 

[e.bar.goum]

I started my PhD right after undergrad (well, I took a break of about 2 months), but some of my peers took a year off, or more. Honestly, I don't think it makes any difference.

 

[vela]

Just to add my own thought here... I recently started grad school. I hadn't seen math in almost 3 years (because I tested out of classes and took some early) and now math is by far my hardest class. By putting a year between you and grad school, you are going to make every class that much harder.

I don't think a year will make much of a difference if you actually learned the material the first time around. It may not be right at your fingertips, but it comes back quickly.

I agree with OldEngr63. That year off can easily grow into several years or never.