Should I Take a Break Between Undergrad and Grad School?

[Quadrivium]

Hi, I am in college and intending to go to grad school after I finish my undergrad degree. However, I've been wondering if it would be feasible to take a ~4 year break in between for personal reasons. I recognize that some sort of review would be needed before I resume my education, but to what extent?

Also, I've heard that matriculation into grad school can be deferred for a certain amount of time, but I don't know for how long. Would it be advisable to apply to grad schools before this hiatus, or would it be better to wait to apply until I'm ready to come back? Thanks.

 

[Choppy]

Well, I think it's ideal to jump into grad school right out of undergrad for most people, but life is hardly ever ideal. The longer you wait, the more difficult it will be to get back into things - depending on what it is you're doing in the meantime. And I don't know to what extent, but the admissions committee may look at someone who's been out of the field for so long as less competative than more recent graduates. In four years, a lot of things can change. The hot fields of today will be old news. Some of the hot fields to come don't even exist yet.

The other big issue is one of lifestyle. Grad students live a life that is moderately better than undergrads. But once you enter the working world, that regular paycheck becomes addictive - especially when a mortgage, wife, kids, etc. come along. Lots of people successfully give it up, but I think the transition can be demanding on a number of levels.

 

[Vanadium 50]

To add one thing - deferring admission for six months or a year is rare, but possible. Four years would be unheard of.