Psy 301-CSULB

When Should I Go?

If you decide that you do want to pursue further education after leaving CSULB., you will also need to decide when the best time is to do that. It is important to remember that there are no absolute guidelines about when a person should go to graduate school.

Why Not Now?

It may seem easier to go directly on after completing your bachelor's degree, both because much of what you have learned as an undergraduate is still fairly fresh in your mind, and because it may seem easier to get information about grad schools while still on campus. It may also be easier to get recommendations from faculty while you are still fresh on their minds. And, some advanced programs do prefer to recruit students directly from undergraduate programs.

However, that last trend is very much on the downswing nationally -- many graduate and professional schools are beginning to show admissions preferences to candidates who have had some life/work experiences on which to build a well-thought-out graduate school plan and career. Working full-time for a few years before attending graduate school gives you more knowledge and experience on which to base your decisions about graduate school.

Consider Waiting A Little While

If you aren't very clear on your goals, or about how graduate school fits into your plans, you may want to delay applying for awhile. And, if you are really "burned out" on studying and academic efforts, you may want to take some time to recharge your batteries. Finally, practically speaking, working for awhile after graduating can provide some financial resources (providing you do some careful saving) that will ease the financial burden of grad school. Although some aid is available to support graduate education, it is still expensive, particularly if you go full-time.

One issue that concerns many undergraduates is: If I don't go to grad school right out of CSULB, will I ever go? The data suggests that the answer to that question is -- "Yes, if you decide in the future that grad school forms an important part of your career plan (and you are properly prepared), you will almost certainly go on." On average, about 20-30% of Colorado College (original source of this document) alumni/ae head for grad school within two years of completing their degree at C.C. Over the long run, it appears that another 10-15% (or more -- the data are hard to track down) go on to graduate programs.

Other Options

If you think you want to go on, but are uncertain that now is the right time, check out your other options. Some schools do offer deferred admissions, so that you can apply now, but not actually enter the program for a year (or so) in the future. Some schools may offer other creative alternatives, so it is a good idea to find out what all of your choices are, before making a final decision about when to go. The best plan is to weigh the pros and cons of going directly ahead to school vs. waiting awhile. Get as much information as you can, from as many sources as you can, then decide what's right for you.