Why Gap Time?
Many students will take gap time before going to grad school. This can be a very important step if you aren't sure which area you want to focus on yet. It is also important to consider gap time if your application is not ready yet (for example, if you don't have research experience, you will want to get some before applying for a Ph.D. program).
Reasons for Gap Year(s)
- Work on your application: gain more experience through jobs, internships, volunteering, research, and any other sort of position available. If you didn't complete prerequisites, take the time to take the courses needed.
- Explore different fields: still deciding between counseling and organizational consulting? Try them both out before making a grad school commitment.
- Build your network: create connections for letter writers, learning new skills, and gaining more information on the grad school process.
Gap Year(s) Considerations
- Goals: What are your future goals, and what are you working on developing?
- Timeframe: How much time is best for you?
- Location: Are you staying in the same area or traveling out?
- Money: Are the experiences you want to do paid? If not, how will you fund the time in between school?
Gap Year(s) Options
Service Fellowships
One to two year fellowship programs provide an avenue to gain professional experience while committing to a social cause that is important to you. Many of these programs have specific application processes and deadlines that start several months before you would start the program.
Examples of fellowship programs:
Volunteering
Volunteering is a great way to gain relevant experience and demonstrate your commitment to service and your field of interest to future graduate programs or employers. Whether you pursue a full-time volunteer opportunity or volunteer a few hours a week in addition to working, the following resources are great places to start your search.
Coursework
Some students pursue additional education during a gap year. Education could include:
- Retake selected courses to demonstrate your ability to succeed in these courses.
- Pursue a post-baccalaureate program.
- Earn a Master’s Degree in a related field if planning for a Psy.D. or Ph.D. to demonstrate academic capability.