The path to graduate school is not as straight as it is often made out to be. While some students opt to start graduate studies immediately after they finish undergrad, many don't.

Gap year - time after college graduation that you can spend working in a desired field, getting additional experience, or simply paying the bills. The goal is to use this time to continue heading in the direction you want to go. The number of gap years is completely up to you.

Most clinical degree programs (MD, DPT, etc.) like to see gap years, especially with clinical job experience. If you don't take gap time after college, use your application essays and CV/resume to show that you do have the clinical and life experience to handle difficult human situations.

Many graduate degree programs are fine with gap years, since it gives additional experience, often in the field. Most people who take gap years continuously find ways to cultivate their interests and strengthen relevant skills for what they hope to do in the future. Bench lab science programs like to see practical experience in a lab, however you get it.

Just be prepared to talk about your gap year(s) in your personal statement and interviews. Sometimes, we may not be able to see the connections between what we have done and what we want to do. If you are struggling to find these connections, talk it out with someone. Ask a professional in the field, or a mentor who knows you, to review your application essays.

If you still have doubts, ask the people who review applications. Go to a workshop or info session with admissions professionals in your field. Or you can email the admissions contact person for a program you're interested in and ask for an informational interview to talk about your experience and what the program is looking for.

No, you don't. People have different reasons for taking gap years.

Some people spend this time completing post-bacc programs because they have a clear idea of a set of skills they want to develop, and want mentors. Others might spend that time reconnecting with themselves and recovering from burnout. Regardless of what you choose, it is a valid use of your time.

Higher education at any level is a major time commitment, and can also be a major financial commitment. If you can do college, you can do it. But it's important for you to know that you are interested in the field you are pursuing, you're applying to programs/graduate mentors that fit your needs, and you have the energy, funding, and support to finish a degree.

One of the risks that comes with exploring or taking a break is the fear that we may never return. Each person thinking about taking a break in their education must weigh the risks themselves.

Sometimes life's unpredictability forces us to change our plans. Sometimes we may just find that we are passionate about other things. A question to ask yourself is "Do I want to get back on track or do I want to forge a new path?"

"If it matters enough to you, you will find a way back somehow, someday." This is what a close friend said to me when I expressed fears over never going back for a graduate degree after I finished my undergrad.

Maybe you don't see a clear path to what you want at the moment. My advice is to talk it out with someone who is supportive and that you can trust.

Formal programs exist to help students get to graduate school. There are ones in medicine, specific fields (like neuroscience and many others), and diversity-focused. Some programs are funded, some aren't. Most are 1-2 year in length.

Learn more on our Opportunities page!

Studying or working overseas is a very rewarding way to utilize your gap year. Immersion in a different culture is not only a fun experience, but it also helps to nurture compassion and a deeper understanding for different people.

The Fulbright US Student Program is one program through which students can get the chance to work and study overseas.

It is difficult, or even impossible, for some people to carve out time in their schedule to work on their portfolio while they are doing their degree. Even if you are not sure if you want to go to grad school or what you want to do, it is still worthwhile to work on your portfolio.

Doing so will ensure that you have a record of all you have done. Additionally, working on your portfolio will help prepare you for applying for jobs as you will become more familiar with describing the things you have done.

Check out our Professional Self section for more information on portfolio components.

Exploring your interests outside of what your degree is in is an awesome way to utilize your gap year(s). Academia can be a very stressful and time-consuming, leaving you little time to explore other interests you may have.

The world is more interdisciplinary than the average degree pathway will make it seem. Even if you are set on pursuing a specific degree in the future, exploring alternative interests can help you develop a unique perspective to address problems within a field.

Check out Developing Professional Interests to find different ways of exploring.

Feeling tired and burned out? You are not alone. Taking this time to focus on yourself may feel like a crime, but you deserve it. Your well-being should be a priority.

Sometimes a short break is all you need. Other times, you might need to relearn what it means to take care of yourself. Everyone is different.

Check out our page on Self-Care. You might also be interested in taking a look at other pages under Navigating Barriers.

Jobs in industry often pay fairly well, depending on the field that you are in. If working in industry is your end goal, gaining experience early on in your career can be beneficial for understanding the issues faced and the skills in demand.

If you are considering getting a job in industry, reach out to people in your network and ask about the application process. Often, even if they are unfamiliar with current practices, they can put you in touch with someone who does. Read more about general interviewing and résumé development.