leave of absence from undergrad - opinions?

[sunnex3]

hi guys,
i was wondering what everyone's thoughts were on taking a leave of absence of one year from undergrad. how do you think it would affect an application?

my family is going through some serious financial concerns right now, and it's expensive to attend my school. i honestly would really like to work at home for a year and save up some money to help pay for school...i'm already in debt from student loans (maxed out on federal ones) and i don't think it would be best for me to take out any private loans.

how would this look on my application later, because obviously on my transcript it would show that i took a year off between my junior and senior years of college.

thanks!

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[lei325]

Well, I think it would show some fiscal responsibility first off. Taking a year off isn't necessarily a bad thing. If you took a year off just to take a year off and goof off, then yeah, that wouldn't look great. But you're taking a year off to save your family money and try to work and earn enough to pay for your last year. I also think there is a place on the VMCAS application to explain stuff like this.

 

[luplodw]

I don't think it would hurt you at all! If anything, it may help you! I think it shows that you are responsible. Working and going to school at the same time would probably bring your GPA down, and that's the last thing you want when applying to vet school. So I think it could be a good thing to take a year off

 

[Minnerbelle]

That should be fine as long as you address it in your application. Could you also take some courses at a community college at the same time, or a cheaper college nearby? That might help you knock out some credits so that maybe you only have to take one more semester at your more expensive school before graduating? Or use that time to also gain lots of experience too.

What doesn't look good is if you take a leave of absence and you don't have a good reason for it. Then they assume the worst and think that perhaps you were forced to take a year off because the school made you take it off (even if it's not a disciplinary action). Or you were in prison, or something like that.

I took a semester off from undergrad as a personal leave of absence. A part of it was that I just needed a break, but I also used that semester to intern full time in animal care. no one batted an eye. in fact, it actually helped me stand out!

 

[der2002]

I'm so sorry to hear that you need to take off from school because of financial situations-- that really sucks. Usually, when someone takes a leave of absence from university, it is due to serious unanticipated circumstances (ie: severe illness, family problems etc). I haven't heard of anyone taking a leave of absence due to financial concerns, but in your case, it sounds pretty serious. Your sense of responsibility and duty to your family are admirable and I'm sure when you do apply to vet school, you can discuss that gap in your transcript on your application.

That said, I had considered taking a leave of absence for a semester during my undergrad years because of severe family issues (my little sister got very ill and we didn't know if she would recover) but after some soul-searching and helpful talks with my academic adviser and professors, I decided against it.

Taking a whole year off is a big deal and can be very disruptive to your studies, but if you feel it's necessary in your case, then don't be afraid to do it. Just make sure you speak to school advisers and see if there isn't another way to work out the financial issues. Can you apply for some scholarships? Can you work out a different payment plan with the university? Another consideration is transferring to a less expensive school. Is this a possibility? Well all is said and done, I'm sure you'll make the right choice for you. Good luck 😳

 

[Willowhand]

I think the VMCAS app asks you to account for any long periods of time not spent in school, but as long as you have something to show for it (eg you were working, gaining experience, etc.) I haven't heard that it's a problem. In my opinion, taking time off to earn money when you need to shows responsibility and financial awareness.

If you have questions about what might harm or help your application, try getting in touch with admissions counselors at a few vet schools. They will be able to give you answers with more certainty, and they might have a few helpful suggestions as well.

 

[marycatherine]

I think a year off from school would have been so beneficial for me. I'd take the opportunity to work and maybe knock a pre-req or two out at community college. Get a ton of animal/vet experience!

 

[168135]

On a related note, what about taking a year off after you get your degree?

If I don't get accepted on my first try, I want to take a year off to work and pay off some of my debt. Second time around, I'll apply to vet school and grad school. Grad school isn't really my dream... I don't really know what I can do with it... so I really don't want to go into it right away.

 

[luplodw]

I think taking a year longer is fine! It gives you a chance to mature. Plus you will be less burnt out from all the school work. The admissions people realize this and I bet they think that a lot of students would benefit academically from this

 

[Minnerbelle]

On a related note, what about taking a year off after you get your degree?

If I don't get accepted on my first try, I want to take a year off to work and pay off some of my debt. Second time around, I'll apply to vet school and grad school. Grad school isn't really my dream... I don't really know what I can do with it... so I really don't want to go into it right away.

I took 2 years off after getting my degree, and I attribute those 2 years to being successful this cycle. I used those 2 years to work in research, and because of that, I could have easily applied to grad school at the same time if I wanted to (though not sure I would have gotten in. this year was ridiculously hard for PhD programs). So I'd totally suggest that!

 

[168135]

I took 2 years off after getting my degree, and I attribute those 2 years to being successful this cycle. I used those 2 years to work in research, and because of that, I could have easily applied to grad school at the same time if I wanted to (though not sure I would have gotten in. this year was ridiculously hard for PhD programs). So I'd totally suggest that!

Thanks for the advice! I didn't think working in research... I just assumed I'd be staying at home, not paying rent, making $12 an hour at a call center and doing some volunteering in my spare time. Research sounds so much cooler 😎

 

[sumstorm]

The one caution I would offer is that if you are a 1st gen student, the liklihood of returning to school after a year off is extremly low. I would suggest discussing this with mentors and financial aid. I am not sayng it isn't the only reasonable option; I am just cautioning that sometimes detours end up being permenant deviations, and that is particularly true for some populations.

 

[Ben and Me]

Didn't Penn make some big, splashy announcement this year about trading out all loans for grants for their undergrads? I'm pretty sure we got an email from Dr. Guttman about that in September or so. http://www.sfs.upenn.edu/paying/paying-pro.htm Maybe that only applies for folks in the class of 2014?

You should go talk to the folks in financial aid. Tell them that your financial situation has changed!!! If nothing else, they may have some ideas for scholarships, etc.

Do you know what you're doing this summer? Some of the undergrad summer research programs offer a huge stipend. Probably too late to apply if you haven't already, but worth at least a search around.

Honestly, and this has nothing to do with your chances of admission, etc -- I wouldn't take a year off. Coming back would be really, really, really tough. I'd try to find a solution to make it work, or at least make it easier - apply to be an RA, do Wharton Behavior Studies/Psych Dept studies/Med School studies for a little extra cash, get a job, etc.

And honestly, how much can you make by working at home? I worked as a receptionist/assistant at a veterinary clinic for a year and a half making $9/hour (I took a year off between undergrad and vet school). From January to July of 2009, working full time (including some overtime!) I earned $8600. That isn't even a living wage - I couldn't have afforded to live had I not been living at home! What kind of job would you be able to get for a year that would pay well enough to justify it? I'm not saying this to be rude, but stop and think. Working as a barista at Starbucks isn't going to make much of a difference, or even as a tech in a clinic. Yes, we know that sumstorm worked as a welder, and that pays well, but do you really want to do something like that? Because that's what it's going to take, if you can even find a job like that - the market is pretty saturated w/ college graduates looking for any job they can get their hands on, especially in the DC area.

 

[marycatherine]

Didn't Penn make some big, splashy announcement this year about trading out all loans for grants for their undergrads? I'm pretty sure we got an email from Dr. Guttman about that in September or so. http://www.sfs.upenn.edu/paying/paying-pro.htm Maybe that only applies for folks in the class of 2014?

You should go talk to the folks in financial aid. Tell them that your financial situation has changed!!! If nothing else, they may have some ideas for scholarships, etc.

Do you know what you're doing this summer? Some of the undergrad summer research programs offer a huge stipend. Probably too late to apply if you haven't already, but worth at least a search around.

Honestly, and this has nothing to do with your chances of admission, etc -- I wouldn't take a year off. Coming back would be really, really, really tough. I'd try to find a solution to make it work, or at least make it easier - apply to be an RA, do Wharton Behavior Studies/Psych Dept studies/Med School studies for a little extra cash, get a job, etc.

And honestly, how much can you make by working at home? I worked as a receptionist/assistant at a veterinary clinic for a year and a half making $9/hour (I took a year off between undergrad and vet school). From January to July of 2009, working full time (including some overtime!) I earned $8600. That isn't even a living wage - I couldn't have afforded to live had I not been living at home! What kind of job would you be able to get for a year that would pay well enough to justify it? I'm not saying this to be rude, but stop and think. Working as a barista at Starbucks isn't going to make much of a difference, or even as a tech in a clinic. Yes, we know that sumstorm worked as a welder, and that pays well, but do you really want to do something like that? Because that's what it's going to take, if you can even find a job like that - the market is pretty saturated w/ college graduates looking for any job they can get their hands on, especially in the DC area.

$8600 is a good chunk of money for a lot of people. That could pay for the OPs living arrangements during school (dorm room) or a meal plan, or anything. (Then say she could be an RA and get free housing, the $8600 could go right to tuition.) I know my parents would have really appreciated having to pay $8600 less. If the OP can get full-time experience at a vet clinic (getting 1000 more hours for her application) and make this money, it's a big difference.

I don't mean to argue with you, but if the OP can live with her parents, being able to bank or use thousands of dollars is going to be a huge asset. I wish I'd been able to take a year to clear my head and bank some money, rather than finishing undergrad and now needing 2 more years to make money and finish certain classes/gain experience.

 

[cowgirla]

If you only have a year left, can't you finish up those last few classes at a less expensive school? At least take a few, and maybe you can graduate early and only have to pay for one more semester, rather than a whole year

I still think you should talk to the fin.aid. department before making any decisions.
Honestly, I don't see all that much difference between working for a year to save up,and then going to school, or going to school, and then working for a year to pay off debt. If anything, you might be able to get a job that pays slightly better after you graduate, making it easier.

Have you looked into scholarships and other grants like that? Again, talk to the school. If your school is anything like my undergrad, the fin.aid. people know about hundreds of little scholarships here and there.

 

[Ben and Me]

$8600 is a good chunk of money for a lot of people. That could pay for the OPs living arrangements during school (dorm room) or a meal plan, or anything. (Then say she could be an RA and get free housing, the $8600 could go right to tuition.) I know my parents would have really appreciated having to pay $8600 less. If the OP can get full-time experience at a vet clinic (getting 1000 more hours for her application) and make this money, it's a big difference.

I don't mean to argue with you, but if the OP can live with her parents, being able to bank or use thousands of dollars is going to be a huge asset. I wish I'd been able to take a year to clear my head and bank some money, rather than finishing undergrad and now needing 2 more years to make money and finish certain classes/gain experience.

FWIW, out of that $8600, I was able to save about $3000 living very frugally. I had to pay for gas, health insurance, dog food/vet care (at a big discount)/supplies, etc.

 

[sumstorm]

I am kind of with BenandMe on this one.... if it is at all possible, avoid leaving school unless you KNOW the situation will be remedied. Yes, I worked through college, and I made good money, but it was hard, dangerous work. I have permenant brands on my body, dealt with a lot of sexual harrassment, probably had some lung damage, and am certaing I harmed my health. I worked because there wasn't a financial alternative.

Consider jobs that might work with school; see if anyone needs live in assistance. Churches and community centers may know of seniors or single parents that will exchange room and board for assistance. Ask your school if there are any alternative programs, particularly if you have any risk factors for permenantly dropping out (first gen immigrant, first gen college student, income below a certain level, ethnicity/culture, etc.)

I know folks that have gone back and completed w/in 5 years after withdrawing for financial reasons, but the statistics suggest that is a rarity. It was ~24% in 2005, based on a study started in the early 90's. The challenge is that you aren't making the additional funds a degree might bring (plus you aren't gaining experience with the degree) resulting in a total reduction over time. On top of that, you will be paying for your previous loans, which will eat a fair amount of money (especially if you are maxed on student loans.) It often seeoms like you can't then afford to ever have less income to return/pay for school.

If possible, see what you can do to expedite completion. Especially if you have one year left.

This is just my opinion. I know it may not be feasable, but I know I never would have graduated if I hadn't fought tooth and nail to get through. The difference in my income was $7/hr + nice benefits pre/post degree, doing better work with less risk. I am not sure I coul have paid my student loans on less!

 

[Ben and Me]

Also, tuition is rising rapidly. The tuition at PennVet increased by 5% for next year. Whatever you save might be eaten up by a tuition increase, either now or by the time you graduate from veterinary school.

I didn't even think about the fact that you'll have to start paying back your loans if you aren't a full time student - scary! And definitely something to consider!

Transferring to a less expensive school might be your best alternative, though there aren't a ton of decent, cheap options in NoVa...or do you parents live on the Maryland side of DC? I can't remember...

I really think that Penn Financial Aid will find some money for you. Go talk to them! Are your parents members of any organizations? Look at the college board website for scholarships!