POMONA COLLEGE
Common Questions
Common grad school questions
When should I go to graduate school?
- If you are someone who loves school, is really excited about narrowing your scientific focus, and wants to continue academic research, then you should go straight into graduate school. Don't worry if a large percentage of candidates at your interviews have taken a few years off to research. If you get an interview, you know you are just as competitive as they are, and as long as you show that you are prepared to handle a graduate education, you will get in!
- Not everyone follows the graduate school path right after college. In fact, many people take a year or two off to research or pursue other interests and apply to graduate school later. Getting a research job at the NIH or a lab at a prominent university before applying to graduate school can actually help your chances of getting in. Admission committees may feel such applicants have more experience and maturity. Thus, if you are itching to get out of school for awhile and are excited by the prospects of entering the job market, then don't feel guilty about temporarily putting off graduate school.
Navigation
In this section:
What educational options are available after college?
What is the typical timeline of a Ph.D.?
How do I make myself a competitive and attractive candidate?
When should I go to graduate school?
Do I really get paid to go to graduate school?
Should I contact faculty from programs I am interested in?