Did you go to grad school right after undergrad or did you take time off?

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I felt that I needed some experience in the field to solidify if I needed/wanted to go to grad school. After undergrad in psychology and philosophy I told myself I needed some experience in the field before I spent a ton of money on grad school. At that point I joined Americorps and worked with at risk youth for two years. Before joining Americorps I told myself I will either love this and go to grad school or I will know it’s not right and become a muscle therapist. I absolutely loved working with at risk youth and decided grad school was right for me. I think either way I needed experience to get into grad school and the experience that I had reassured me that grad school was the right path. I recently graduated and am now working in a job that has so much purpose and good pay. Can’t complain!!! Also anyone questioning or struggling with grad school feel free to hit me up. I’ve definitely been there!

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I went straight through. I knew it was what I wanted to do so I didn’t see the point in waiting. Granted my situation is a bit different than the standard grad school path. I started my undergrad and only completed 2 years (3 technically do to taking courses in high school that counted towards university and taking a heightened course load). I got into veterinary school and started my doctorate, which is an undergraduate degree like medical school. I finished vet school at 23. I technically took a year off school after vet school because to do a residency/masters degree (you do both over the course of 4 years for large animal surgery) you need to first complete a minimum of a one year internship. So I technically went into practice and got experience first. 
I do think experience helps with grad school (I’m currently still a grad student/resident). But, that’s because it’s expected in my program. I wouldn’t have taken extra time. I know lots of people that have come back to get the same qualifications after being general practitioners for years. One of my fellow residents was in practice for 10 years. But generally they went into practice because that’s what they thought they wanted. For most people, in my experience, if they think they might want to do a masters/residency they decide to wait a few years and see if they like general practice. Or they’ve been in general practice and find they want more. 
I’m not like that. I’ve always know large animal surgery is exactly what I wanted to do. So waiting extra time seems silly. I’ll be a surgeon by the time I’m 28. I don’t feel in a rush to have kids (many women in the vet industry that specialize often wait too long to have kids and have difficulties). I’m not concerned about still living as a student and neither is my fiancé. Whereas if I waited a few years I think going back to the student world would be harder for us. At then end of the day I want my masters and to be a board certified surgeon. A few years in general practice might help me in the path, but it’s not detrimental to not have those extra years. I can still do well and become the best surgeon I can going straight into the program.

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I waited 4 years before going back. Currently 3 years into the degree and regret waiting so long before starting. 
I wanted experience in the field to know I was on the right path. Also I didn't want to spend thousands more dollars to get a degree so I found a company that will help pay for it. My degree is expensive but I am going to a prestigious college and paying pennies for it. 
If you are thinking about it, do it. What is the worst that can happen? You spend money and take classes that you won't use, that's life. Either way you are gaining an understanding of something new.

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I was “done with school” when I graduated from undergrad. I worked for a year before deciding to go to grad school. I’m glad I did because I didn’t have the motivation to do the work right out of undergrad.

Did you go to grad school right after undergrad or did you take time off?

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