Taking a year off?

[NittanyKitty]

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Hi, all. I'm currently finishing up my junior year of undergrad, so this coming application cycle is the year that most of my classmates are going to be applying to school. Lately I've been thinking more and more of taking a year off after undergrad so that I apply next fall after I graduate.

During that time I hope to get more experience (maybe with a co-op or internship somewhere), work more on GRE preparation, and earn some money toward living expenses while in vet school. Plus, is it bad to say that I think a little de-stress period before beginning another round of school sounds appealing? 😳 I'm definitely committed to applying to vet school, but I'm not sure that I want to undertake it next year. I'm taking full course loads, finishing two degrees, working, and finishing my thesis. Another year to get everything straight and do it right the first time is just sounding better and better the more I think about it.

Has anyone else chosen to do this? Does anyone wish they'd done it or had a bad experience with taking an extra year? Thoughts, opinions? I'd love to hear from others before approaching my parents. Thanks!

 

[OSJ]

I took a year off and am really glad that I did. I have been able to get more experience, make some money, spend time with my family and at the same time focus on my applications. I was away for 2 full weeks at several interviews and that would have been tough being in school. I also picked up a bit quite a bit of experience senior year of college that was really helpful on my application. I ended up accepted to 3 schools and waitlisted a 2, so it worked for me. The applications/interview process is expensive, so it was nice to be working full time through it! Best of luck!

 

[rachroo]

Has anyone else chosen to do this? Does anyone wish they'd done it or had a bad experience with taking an extra year? Thoughts, opinions?

Hi there, I don't know how much my response will help since I'm not a vet student (yet!) but I had a similar situation to yours.

I'm a senior who is applying to vet school this summer for the first time. I will be graduating this December so I will have from Dec-August (if I get accepted on my 1st try) with no school. I spent last summer instead of applying to vet school deciding to take an extra semester to graduate and then spent my summer volunteering in South Africa.

I felt like I needed time off last summer and to try and raise my GPA by graduating a semester late. And for me, it was/is the best thing...I've grown so much after volunteering and taking extra time instead of "rushing" to get in.

I would say that you know yourself more than anyone. Don't forget though, once you get into vet school you'll have lots of work; once you get a job as a vet you'll have lots of work. There's nothing wrong with taking some time to find out who you are and to do what you feel you need to do (whether that's work full time, get more vet exposure, travel abroad, volunteer, relax, etc.

Good luck! 🙂

 

[MSDVM12]

Hello Everyone, this is my first time posting and I felt like I had something to share. I took time off after high school to decide if this was the right path for me. I did an internship at the zoo the last half of my senior year in high school were I worked full time with no pay. I didn't have such a great experience and decided not to even go to school. Over that time I gained more experience in different fields and decided to pursue the profession at 21. I am happy to say that the experience of working in different fields of vet med prepared me with experience and knowledge about the profession that showed on my interview. Good luck with deciding.

 

[hendo]

I did a one year masters program instead of the year off. I kind of feel like I should of taken a year off and maybe worked abroad or something of that sort. I tried doing that, but with lack of time, I just ended up doing a masters program...The one year masters program in Biomedical sciences was pretty sweet though, and I'm not at all as nervous about vet school anymore. Reason being, is because I'm taking many of the same classes as vet students...

 

[CalpardNY]

I took a year off and it was a very good decision. I needed that extra year to get some more experiences, take some prereqs, etc to help balance out my lower gpa (i could also use my senior grades to show increasing gpa. And i believe that because of that it helped me get in on my first try (in retrospect i don't think i would have made it applying as a college senior).

The one thing i have to say is that it has been a bit hard on me personally. I moved back home so that was a bit of an adjustment. Also as someone who is always moving and trying to pursue a goal, it was hard to sit back and wait out the year. Also, it was tough seeing my friends go off and start post-college lives and my friend still in undergrad having fun. But by occupying myself with work and friends, and focusing on the fact that it was a good rest for my brain and that i will be going to school in august it wasnt so bad.

But not to scare you off- i was one of those people who never wanted to take a year off and if i had planned better probably wouldnt not have assuming i got into schools. But if its something you are considering it may have its benefits for you as well!

 

[bunnyslippers]

I'm graduating college on Friday and will be applying this summer, so I'm technically "taking a year off" like you would be. I am so happy with my decision to do this. The extra time has confirmed my decision that vet school is what I want and also allows me to get extra experience that will hopefully make me a good applicant instead of an ehhh one.

Sure it bummed me out to see some of my classmates getting accepted for this round knowing that I wasn't in that boat yet, but I also saw how difficult it was for them to juggle classes with applying. At the very least, they were constantly having to beg professors to reschedule the tests for them when they interviewed. Applying to vet school is stressful enough, I'm glad I won't have to worry about vet schools rejecting me and then trying to ace a micro test the next day!

 

[NoleDevil]

Taking a year off after I graduated from undergrad definitely wasn't my first choice. I did it mainly b/c I felt my GRE scores were way too low to apply to vet school my senior year. So, I took the GRE again (did better, but definitely not great!), took a couple animal science classes, and volunteered at an aquarium. I also took a job not related to vet med because it pays really, really well and we all know how important saving up $ is for vet school! 😉

After living on my own for 4 years in college, it was super difficult to move back home, but it has saved me so much $ that I would've otherwise spent on rent. It was also really difficult moving away from my bf, but we've managed with the whole LDR thing quite nicely. All in all, I did the best I could with my circumstances. If I had the chance, however, I would have definitely gone straight to vet school after undergrad, but sometimes it's just not that easy. I've heard many people say that taking a year off was the best thing they could've done for themselves. It's definitely a personal preference sort of thing. I don't think it's a bad idea, though, considering it'll be a nice little break before working your tail off for 4 years!

 

[athenaparthenos]

I knew I didn't have anywhere near enough experience to apply for vet school right after graduating. I had about 1000 hours experience in exotics but no vet experience whatsoever. So 1. I didn't have a veterinarian who could write me a letter of recommendation, 2. I didn't have any veterinary hours, and 3. I didn't know, 100% for certain, that I could really handle the rigors of working in vet medicine.

So while I graduated in 2006, I didn't apply until this past round. In the intervening time I moved back home, finished some prereqs, and worked part-to-full-time at a small animal clinic, which I've been doing for nearly 2 years now. In that time I realized just how much client interaction is a part of clinical work (a ton!) and realized I love that aspect of it like crazy. I also learned that yes, I can handle stress, long hours, euthanasia, difficult animals, multitasking, surgery, and much more. By the time this cycle rolled around I was confident in my skills, ability, and knowledge, and got into 2 schools and waitlisted at a 3rd. I couldn't have gotten into vet school right after graduating, it just wasn't possible for me. And it's been nice to have some time without school... *g*

 

[twelvetigers]

I've had a hard time with a lot of back-and-forth on the matter. I know my GPA could always use an extra year's work and that I could always use that extra experience. But, I have a really hard time telling myself to wait if I think thre's a chance of getting in this next try.

However... I don't know how many of you might have kept up with one of my original threads, but I was trying hard to get a vet clinic job. There still isn't anything confirmed, but I heard again today that a place I'd *really* like to go is going to be hiring. This one is mixed practice, boarding, has a number of employees and at least two vets. The facilities are up-to-date and the main vet guy was very nice to me. I've never heard a drop of bad anything about him (as opposed to a lot of negative about some other vets at some other practices). So, I WANT this job, even though I think it might be a receptionist position that opens up. I can radiate my way out from that reception desk, I know that. But, if I get it and I love it, I think I want to stay there and soak it in. I need to experience all these things that you guys have experienced, and I need to learn as much as I can.

In my two years working at Antech, I've learned way more than I ever thought I would. At first, I was lost. Now, if someone calls with a question, the phone is handed to me. I'll answer it. I'll fix it. I know what they're talking about. If it's really strange and test specific, I can at least get the answer for them. So I'm answering questions from VETS. Now that's empowering.

But, I've never scrubbed in or acutely observed a surgery (i.e. not through a window) - just necropsy. I've never dealt with clients face to face regarding their pets, and I've never restrained, drawn blood, etc etc and those are the things I'm looking forward to. I want to wear scrubs and sneakers and come home with stories about crazy clients and interesting situations or illnesses. That would be awesome!

So, if I get this job... and I love it... I probably will skip this round. As hard as it will be to watch you all ride off into the sunset without me... I think it might be the best thing. I'm a senior now, with three credits left to graduate. Wait... four. Yeah, four credits. As silly as it will be, I might just plod along and be a sixth year senior by the time I really finish them all. No rush, after all. Throw in some GPA boosters and maybe an upper level science... not too bad.

Sorry that post wandered around the topic a little bit, just unloading what's been weighing on my mind here in the midst of horrible, horrible finals week. Thanks for providing an outlet for my frustrations. 🙂

 

[westpoloplayer]

I graduated in December 2005 so I've taken MORE than a year off. Try not to look as it as time lost but rather experiences gained. In my 2.5 years off, I've worked as a working student for an International-level 3 Day eventer, a year working on genetically modified plants in a lab, took classes in Virology, Immunology, Wildlife capture & immobilization etc, spent a summer living in North Africa studying Arabic, moved to another state to gain residency, worked as a large animal veterinary assistant and currently am working at the racetrack as a vet assistant. In that 2.5 years, I've lived in 2 countries, 3 states and a nomad's tent in the Atlas mountains (no kidding).

I don't regret a thing (well, maybe I DO regret eating mystery meat from the street vendor in Marrakesh 😀)

 

[twelvetigers]

Way to make our "years off" sound tame. 😉

 

[stick91]

I'm taking a year off. As a current senior (just turned in thesis today, woooo!) I know I wouldn't have had enough actual vet experience to make it in the last application cycle, though my dad didn't really believe that and thought I should have "tried anyways"...silly doctors they don't know a thing about vet school apps even after you explain it to them ; )

Anyways, I'm doing it for much of the same reasons that you are thinking about. I want a year to increase my experience working with a vet. We've had the same vet for our horses since I was a little kid so she's watched me grow up and has already promised to write me a LOR but I want to prove that I am capable in the profession so that she has more to write then "she looked pretty cute on her tiny pony" : )

I also go to a small liberal arts school and they do not offer all of the pre-reqs that I need for my target vet school (Oregon State) and so I will be taking a couple classes over the next year. Also, I just wanted a year off! I think 16 years of straight schooling warrants a one year break. And I have a young horse who will be turning 4 this year and I will finally have time to dedicate to her. I know that living at home will not be my favorite and I'm going to try and move after the summer but I know that taking the year off will be the right decision for me, and if I don't get in with this coming cycle then I will just keep working and try again!

Good Luck!

 

[littlecaitling]

I'm finishing up my junior year too, and I really want a year off. Actually, its not even a matter of wanting a year off, I NEED a year off. My GPA isn't competitive as it stands, but when my father passed away rather unexpectedly a month ago I took it really hard...and so I've completely screwed up this semester. So even if by some miracle I can get some sort of hardship withdrawal from these classes, I'll still need at the very least an extra semester to make up what I'll lose this semester. I also feel like I need more experience; while I have been working part time with a small 1-doctor small animal clinic on summers and vacations since freshman year, I haven't gotten any other real animal experience, so I feel like I need more of a breadth of experiences, and that will be much easier to get if I was more available than attending classes full time affords. I also want to spend more time at home with my family and friends before I basically wont be seeing them for 4 years, now more than ever.


The only thing that gives me pause about taking time off is loan deferment. I couldn't get any financial help from my parents, yet I still had to go to some private school in Boston, and in order to pay for it I had to take out a lot of student loans, around 20k per year. So I'm looking at 80k+ debt from undergrad alone, and if I'm less than half-time enrolled in school for more than 6 months, I need to start paying. My family can't afford to help now more than ever since my dad was the primary source of income, so I really dont know what to do.

Sorry for having to read through the frantic rantings of an overtired student in her last week of classes who is FREAKING OUT

 

[SillyFilly]

I took a year off since I didn't get in, haha, but I spent it working for a Saddlebred lameness specialist traveling to shows all over the Southeast (including World Champs) and now at the Large Animal Hospital as a tech.

I also tried to sleep as much as possible, lame as it sounds! Well, and I tried to go out plenty. 🙂

 

[littlecaitling]

Also, remember the average age of successful vet school applicants/incoming freshmen. From what I've been seeing, it seems to be around 25. What's the average age of someone when they graduate with a 4-year (or maybe even 5-year) degree, somewhere between 21-23 (assuming they went straight to undergrad from high school)? Then when you take into account how many people actually do go straight from undergrad to vet school, you realize that there have to be a substantial number of successful applicants in their late 20's and 30's to balance out the average. So it stands to reason that a good number of people take a year or (many) more off between undergrad and vet school (again, assuming they went straight to undergrad from high school). I wouldn't know how many of those people regretted it, but it seems pretty normal to take that time in between.


I meant to say something to that effect before, but I was way to tired and freaked out to remember! I'm still freaking out, just a little more well-rested. 🙂

 

[SoxGirl0407]

If you're having doubts about applying this year, then you're probably not ready. I went through the same thing. I decided I would take one year off and got a full-time job at a clinic, but I still wasn't motivated to apply... I didn't feel like I had had any time away from school since I would have had to start applying within weeks of graduation. By the end of my first year off, all I could think about was how badly I wanted to go back to school. When I applied at the next cycle (this year) I put my heart and soul into my application because I was SO ready and I think that came across in my application and interviews. It's important to use the time off appropriately. In my 2 years off I've worked full-time in a day practice and at an ER, but I've also gotten married, learned to budget and save money, and matured dramatically. Life experience means a lot.

Anyway, my point is that I've been out of school for 2 years now, but I'm going to Florida this year and I'm more excited and motivated than I would have been without the time off. I'm better off financially and mentally. Don't listen to people that say "once you stop going to school you'll never go back." If vet school is really for you, time off will only re-motivate you to go. Good Luck!

 

[pupsforseeing]

Some would say I am doing it all backward. I am graduating from undergrad (as a junior) in a couple weeks. I applied to vet school this cycle and was accepted at my top two choices (UC Davis and Penn). As you may have read on other threads, I have declined/deferred my acceptances (Davis won't allow deferments so I had to decline, Penn let me defer). While most people would be *thrilled* to be sitting on multiple acceptances to great schools, and I was excited to be accepted, I realized I was more excited that I had reached the goal of getting in than actually starting vet school next year. I am 19 years old. And while I would like to think I am a mature 19 (and adcomms seemed to agree 😉), I am still in many ways a teenager and have a lot to learn about life. Unfortunately, I didn't realize this until I was chest-deep in the application process. Many people have told me I'm crazy, and I may regret my decision later in life, but I know for a fact that if I started vet school next year, I would not yet be ready to dive in head first and give it my all...always wondering in the back of my mind what I would have experienced had I taken some time off.

So, when I graduate in a couple weeks, I am heading to Europe for a month (yay for graduation presents for yourself!), then coming home, working for a few weeks, and then moving to the Caribbean to do missions work with the deaf for a year. I am so excited to serve in this capacity and invest in a passion separate from veterinary medicine before I begin the rigors of vet school that I know will leave little time for other interests.

When I got my acceptance to Davis, something I've been dreaming about since I was in grade school, it was the strongest mixed feeling I've ever felt. On the one hand, it was a huge feeling of relief that all that work had payed off, but on the other hand, I knew it was not my time to start. I could not get excited about starting this next chapter of my life just yet. When I declined/deferred and got everything in order to take a year off before starting, I was *finally* excited for what's in store for me post-graduation.

This was really long winded. Basically, just trying to say go with your heart, take time off if you need it. And don't listen to all those people who tell you you're making a huge mistake. You know yourself best!

 

[NoleDevil]

Your plans sound awesome, pupsforseeing! Way to go! 👍

 

[nyanko]

Many people have told me I'm crazy, and I may regret my decision later in life, but I know for a fact that if I started vet school next year, I would not yet be ready to dive in head first and give it my all...always wondering in the back of my mind what I would have experienced had I taken some time off.

Those people, with all due respect, are idiots. You know what's best for yourself and you should be proud of what you accomplished and also of your maturity to make such a decision!

Life's too short to have regrets of any kind. Enjoy it while you can. 🙂

 

[VAgirl]

I graduated college 5 years ago. My friends who went straight to med school (no one I know from HS/college went to vet school) have all graduated now and are doing their internships. I went to the med school graduation of one of my close friends last May and wondered if I might feel weird because, had I done things "according to plan," I should have been going through a similar thing (vet school graduation) at that time. I didn't feel weird at all, though. I just felt so happy for him and proud of him (he's so amazing).

There were times during these past years when I wondered if I'd ever get it in gear to work towards my vet med dream. I didn't hit the ground running towards making myself a better candidate right out of school...I had some other stuff I had to work through before I was ready for that, so it took about 1.5 years before I started actively doing things to improve myself for vet school. There were also times when I was actively taking steps but still wasn't sure I'd actually apply (the stuff I was doing, like my masters program, could also just have been good choices for another range of career paths that might have interested me). The moment I decided I was actually going to make my vet school attempt was the summer I signed up to take physics. I would never have decided to take that class if it wasn't a prereq, so that was a defining choice. But then I still wasn't sure it would happen, because I still didn't think I was ready to apply for the next two application cycles!

All that being said, I think I used my 5 years off very well and I have no doubt that this time not only helped my application but has enriched my life immeasurably. I strongly recommend anyone who is even remotely thinking about taking some time off between college and post-graduate education really consider it. I think it's a great option and can help you grow even more than you could imagine. If nothing else, it's really interesting to live for a while in the work-a-day, bill-paying world. There so many experiences out there to be had and school can be more than just "something to get through." One of the things I'm most excited about now is being able to go back into the classroom with all of these new things I know about myself and new passions in vet med. I think it will help me get so much more out of vet school than I ever could have otherwise.

(I know this is really long, but one more thing...that last comment isn't a meant to be a generalization of how much anyone could get out of vet school right out of UG, just how much I would have gotten out of it at that time.🙂)

 

[SweeTeaPie]

As you can see by the number of people responding to your question, it is in no way unusual to take a year off. I probably felt about the same way you're feeling right now when I was a jr/sr in undergrad. I'd ALWAYS wanted to go to vet school, but the thought of pulling another four years of all-night study sessions was more than I could bare at the time. I decided to work full time upon graduation as a Research Tech. at the Wistar Institute. I was there for a year before I started working at Children's Hosp., and about a year and a half into it, I realized that there was no way I could continue being a Lab Tech. I needed to do something more and a Ph.D. just wasn't my cup of tea. I realized about a year ago that I was now ready to apply to vet school, and it was all i could think about from that point on. And now I can't WAIT to be in school again. This year, I was accepted, and honestly I don't know if I would have been if it weren't for all the different experiences I was able to gain over these past three years.

Don't feel that if you aren't quite ready for it immediatly out of undergrad that you aren't meant to do it. In fact, I'm sure a little maturity and time will make you a better applicant; I know it CERTAINLY did for me. Not that you probably aren't a good candidate right now, I can't judge at all because I don't know you personally, but don't be afraid to take that year off if that's what you feel is right for you. If anything, you'll be able to say to the AdComs, "I've had different experiences, and it's only strengthened/confirmed my desire to become a veterinarian". Hey, how come I didn't put that in my Personal Statement?! Well, anyway, I'm sure my point is made. It definately can't hurt to take some time off.

 

[JIKJen124]

It's intense, so my advise "from the trenches" take off all the time you need - if it's one year, great if it's 2 or more it's no big deal. I only had 6 months with no classes, and in retrospect, I wish could have swung more time off.

 

[NittanyKitty]

Thanks for all of your advice guys! 🙂 I've been giving it a lot of thought, and all of your input has helped a lot. I think I'm going to ask my parents about it when I get home next weekend. Hopefully they'll be supportive!

 

[littlecaitling]

I wonder why parents, as well as others (particularly those who are not in a similar situation), seem to be so against taking time between schools sometimes. Geez, I talk about dropping one CLASS and its the end of the world. Taking one semester? UNTHINKABLE. In light of recent events, I've been thinking about taking a few years off, living at home, getting more varied experience working full time, paying off some of my steep undergrad debt (piling vet school debt on my undergrad debt is a terrifying prospect, as I know I won't be able to go to my IS school), taking a few extra classes to get my GPA higher and basically fleshing out my academics and experience to make myself a better candidate. My mother would probably be heartbroken if I talked to her about those plans. I know her mentality is that thinking like that means that I must be a slacker, and that I'll ultimately ruin my chances of succeeding, eventually dropping out of school all together. She thinks this will happen to me because it did happen to her; by the time she was done jumping between schools and such, she had done enough work to earn a masters, but only could transfer enough credits to end up with an associates. Its going to be tough to help her to realize that wanting to take time off doesn't mean that I'm lazy or giving up, if anything the opposite is true. I want this so badly that I'm willing to do whatever it takes, no matter how long it takes. Has anyone else had to deal with parents or friends/family/etc. not being supportive of the decision to take time off before vet school? How did you end up dealing with it?

 

[VAgirl]

My mother would probably be heartbroken if I talked to her about those plans.


Has anyone else had to deal with parents or friends/family/etc. not being supportive of the decision to take time off before vet school? How did you end up dealing with it?

Yes, 150%, I know how you feel.

When I graduated college (3.1ish GPA, had been planning on vet school or med school since almost birth, and was nowhere close to being on track to getting into vet/med school), I swear I felt like the black sheep of the family. (My mother denies most of this now, I even just had a fight about it all with her last week, but I truly felt like my family viewed me as a total failure. She claims it was only relative to how much potential they felt like I had, but still...ouch.) Actually, I got the interview that landed me my first job out of school through a friend of somone my mom knew. When I met the woman my mom knew (not the interviewer, though she and I later worked closely together), she thought that the way my mom had described me to her was the funniest thing. My mom had basically been all doom and gloom, "We just don't know what to do with VAgirl," and "We have no idea if she'll be able to get a job," etc. This lady thought it was funny because she worked with me and was like, "What on earth is up with your mom's description? You're very capable, hard-working, etc."

Anyway. So yes, I totally feel your pain. And to be honest, it doesn't necessarily get easier. I still don't see eye to eye with my parents on this issue. Don't get me wrong, they're incredibly supportive, amazing, giving, wonderful people. But a few weeks after I got into Davis, I was talking to my dad and he said to me, "I'm so proud of you, and now you can put all the past behind you and it doesn't matter anymore." I disagreed with him, saying that it TOTALLY matters. I wouldn't be the person I am, with the experiences I've had and the interest I have developed without the last 5 years. He still has trouble seeing it as anything more than a detour, and thank goodness that I'm now back on track.

Hopefully this helps. And it just goes to show that even the most well meaning, loving, supportive, amazing parents can sometimes not understand what you need to do and why you need to do it. It's incredibly hard. But you know yourself better than anyone. Be honest and true to yourself. It may take you longer to get where you're going, but I promise you it will be worth it.

Good luck! Be strong! PM me if you'd like to talk in more detail with someone who has been there. (Oh! Which makes me want to add that you should seek out other support for your choices if your parents cannot provide that for you right now. Because support from somewhere, anywhere, can help so much when you feel low and crappy.)

 

[twelvetigers]

And you always know you have support from right here.

(Not me, silly, the forum! All of us!)

 

[lazyjayn]

I think most of the push from parents to not take time off is because of the emphasis placed on going straight to college by prep highschools- which I'm assuming most of us went to, since if we didn't, our parents would be asking us why we don't get a nice plumbing apprenticeship.

schools- high schools anyway- use the percent of students that go on to 2 or 4 years as a way to sell themselves to parents. My high school counselor actually told students that if they took a year off, they would never graduate college- with the subtext that they would then be min. wage burger flippers. Somewhere in there, parents pick up on this. They want you to succeed. Exactly the way they want you to. But that's just parents.

Part of it is also selfishness, I'm convinced. My parents loved telling people that I was at school in NZ, but now that I'm not actively studying anymore, they are less comfortable with it- after all, how can "my daughter is taking part time classes to keep her loans in deferral and working in the cash office at wal-mart" possibly earn them cred with random strangers. But then, they also tell everyone all about my traveling- tho dad usually leaves out the by myself part.

I say take time off. Your parents will still doom and gloom. But if you travel, you can fake (or real) losing the phone or internet connection. You can learn all sorts of new stuff. You could even take (gasp) a couple non-science classes to keep your loans from eating you alive, and gain experience in something useful. And if people can't respect that, you can tell them off and authorize them to lie.

"I'm sorry you can't respect my decision. But I'm a real live grown up, and you'll just have to deal with it. If you're that ashamed of me taking positive steps to better my quality of life and understanding of the world around me, you can lie."

Oh, and somewhere in there, I hear it's good to assure your parents you won't be living in their attic for the rest of their lives.

j.

 

[david594]

I wonder why parents, as well as others (particularly those who are not in a similar situation), seem to be so against taking time between schools sometimes. Geez, I talk about dropping one CLASS and its the end of the world. Taking one semester? UNTHINKABLE. In light of recent events, I've been thinking about taking a few years off, living at home, getting more varied experience working full time,

I think this might be part of the answer.

 

[VAgirl]

I think this might be part of the answer.

Maybe for some, but not for all. I lived at home with my parents for one year after college. It was not the living at home part that got them. It was the fact that they didn't (and to some extent still don't) understand that it can be beneficial to do things in a way that differs from the norm. All they could see was the norm (to them, the ideal and only way to do this). This was the straight path through life, from which all they saw were off-ramps, no on-ramps further down the road.

 

[SweeTeaPie]

I think most of the push from parents to not take time off is because of the emphasis placed on going straight to college by prep highschools- which I'm assuming most of us went to, since if we didn't, our parents would be asking us why we don't get a nice plumbing apprenticeship.

Umm, hello?! I don't know about most of the others on this forum, but I sure as heck didn't go to prep school. And none of the other pre-vet students I know did, either. I don't offend easily (honestly, I don't) but this statement really puts my hackles up. Just because I went to a public high school doens't mean that my parents expect me to be a plumber! They want me to do just as well as any prep-school parent would expect from their child. What the heck? I really don't even know what to say to that statement.

And you know what, I bet there's plumbers out there that make a good solid living.

Although the rest of his/her statement might be helpful, somehow I can't look past that first sentance.

Alright, I'm going to get over it for a second and say that perhaps this person offerd some solid advice.. but then again maybe not. But sheesh, way to be judgemental.

 

[chris03333]

I think most of the push from parents to not take time off is because of the emphasis placed on going straight to college by prep highschools- which I'm assuming most of us went to, since if we didn't, our parents would be asking us why we don't get a nice plumbing apprenticeship.

😡Ahh...never assume. I am pretty sure (at least I hope) you did not mean to come off so insulting with this remark. I, for one went to schools in very tough urban areas (not a "prep" school by far). And I believe that my parents have (well they are retired now) respectable jobs, teacher and electrician (retired veteran). They just did not have the money to put me into prep schools, but I was taught the value of education.....

Now back to the topic. I took a year off (got alternate at all of the schools I applied to then pulled out that year so my husband could finish his BS). I went to work full time in the field I would be pursuing post vet school (especailly since everyone thought I was crazy and would change my mind). I cannot tell you how much I value that year.

 

[littlecaitling]

I think this might be part of the answer.

That's not really true in my case. We lost my father a little over a month ago and she's terrified at the prospect of living alone in a few short years (when my brother goes off to college). I go home frequently at her request. HER plan for my life is that I'll go through undergrad, straight to vet school, graduate, get a job out of school over by her house, and live with her for a few years to get rid of some of the debt without having to worry about expenses like renting or buying a home. I just don't think that's feasible, as I'm pretty sure I'll have to relocate to wherever I can find a favorable position when I'm out of vet school, and frankly I wouldn't want to limit my options. I think it makes far more sense to move back in after undergrad and take care of some of the debt I've already accrued. Her plan, just a little tweaked. To be honest, I'd never consider imposing upon my mother like that unless she had already offered (in fact insisted) that I do move in with her for the precise reason of reducing debt. I don't plan on living with my mom forever, and I don't view living with her for a few extra years with the same stigma that a lot of people seem to attach with young adults living with their parents. I just don't understand why it's so much worse in her mind that I take time off between schools to reduce debt before I add to it rather than come back home after another 5+ years of schooling with over 300K debt to worry about.

 

[david594]

Umm, hello?! I don't know about most of the others on this forum, but I sure as heck didn't go to prep school.

There is a big difference between a College preparatory high school and a "prep school" and I a pretty sure she was referencing the former. Anything that isn't a vocational high school is basically considered a college preparatory school.

Vocational high school = straight to workforce
College preparatory school = to prepare you for college

 

[SweeTeaPie]

There is a big difference between a College preparatory high school and a "prep school" and I a pretty sure she was referencing the former. Anything that isn't a vocational high school is basically considered a college preparatory school.

Vocational high school = straight to workforce
College preparatory school = to prepare you for college

I'm sorry, but I think I'm going to have to respectfully disagree with you on that one. Whenever anyone says "prep [high]school" the immidiate connection is with a private school. In fact, a public high school can be defined this way;
"The 'public' purpose of the typical public high school is twofold: (1) primarily and mainly to prepare its graduates to enter the labor force; and, (2) also to prepare a segment, usually a minority, of its students, to continue on to post-secondary education (i.e. vocational school or technical school, community collegee or junior collegee, and university)."
Obviously this definition is a little dated because the term minority should porbably be MAJORITY in this day in age, but still.
And in fact, many vocational schools are considered post-secendary.

I say this primarily because I know that my high school gave students the option of taking classes at trade schools during the day, as well as prepare others for college. And while urban public schools may TRY to prepare their students for college, I'm sure many students have to go right into the work force upon graduation. Maybe I'm just dating myself, but I've never heard a public high school referred to as a college prep high school.

Ok, honestly as I write this I realize that I'm being really picky at the moment and that this is actually kind of pointless and completely off-topic. But I just thought I'd point that out... Sorry! 😳

 

[VAgirl]

\Maybe I'm just dating myself, but I've never heard a public high school referred to as a college prep high school.

Ok, honestly as I write this I realize that I'm being really picky at the moment and that this is actually kind of pointless and completely off-topic. But I just thought I'd point that out... Sorry! 😳

I haven't ever heard of public high schools being referred to as prep schools either, and I completely agree with you. Perhaps a tad picky, but I'm right there with ya.

 

[WishingnHoping]

SweeTeaPie, I'm with you on that. I went to a college prep high school and it was private. The other high schools around were all public and NONE of them were "college preparatory" schools. Yes, you could take classes that would prepare you for college and many of my college classmates went to these public schools but they were NOT college preparatory schools. I am positive on this subject since I have direct experience with it.

On a side note ... we used to get called names and get things thrown at us from people driving by our school from the public schools ... 🙄

 

[VAgirl]

On a side note ... we used to get called names and get things thrown at us from people driving by our school from the public schools ... 🙄

That sucks. I went to a public high school, but it was a magnet high school, so I know exactly how it feels to have essentially every other school in the area ridicule you and your school. Oh well. I loved my high school. We'll just have to hope that those obnoxious kids who made fun of us grew out of it. 🙂

 

[hoodle]

Just another quick perspective on the "time off" issue. While I didn't take time off after high school, I wished that I had. I had a friend from high school who went to china for a year, and I was supremely jealous. To top it off, arriving at college I became friends with a girl who had taught in guatemala for 2 years after high school, and she was amazing. I was meanwhile engaged in my personal life more than my academics (met my significant other, spent a lot of time NOT studying). My undergrad is very high-power and renowned for grade "deflation". I had a lot of educational plans (vet or med school, research) and my C in Orgo II just wouldn't cut it.

My parents viewed my sharp drop in GPA as a weakness - "what are you doing, don't be ridiculous, just work harder!" - but I saw it as a symptom. My girlfriend and I decided we would take a year off before our junior year in college. the parents weren't enthused - they thought that bad grades didn't justify a "vacation", and that in fact a year off might be a bad call - but they came around to accepting our logic:
1) we were paying so much for school and not enjoying it to the fullest
2) academically, we'd improve after some perspective
3) it was either a year off during or after college, so really what difference did it make
4) I assured them that I was still 100% focused and engaged in my education and my future... and that this was the best way to happily and peacefully succeed
5) I'd get valuable life experience, as well as valuable practical experience, which would enhance my apps.

It worked out great! We took our physics classes (me non-calc based for vet school, her calc-based for chemistry major); I shadowed an equine vet for over 800 hours of experience; she volunteered at the hospital and decided against med school; I worked in a lab; we traveled to New Zealand and Thailand for a semester and worked on farms/hiked/wandered about aimlessly.

I came back guns blazing, got in everywhere I applied, and I couldn't have been happier with my "gap" year. My parents are equally thrilled. It made me sure what I wanted to do with myself, and was overall a wonderful experience. Not great fun, all the time, but personally incredibly important.

So the moral - take time off! whenever you think you might need it, even if it's at an unusual time. Some don't need time off the treadmill, some might need more time than others. But it doesn't mean you won't get back on. (I figured out that I'm happiest in a treadmill-like academic situation - that I'm easily bored, without some focus and something to bang my head against...)

 

[VAgirl]

Wow, what an experience, hoodle! And kudos to your parents for coming around to and accepting what was the right thing for you to do. 🙂 Sometimes I just think they're scared for us to make mistakes in life. A losing battle, really. And often a mistake here or there is an opportunity for that all important growth.

 

[hoodle]

thanks 🙂 I mean, one year off seems very minor in the greater scheme of things - and it sounds like your years off were a much bigger deal, personally and family-wise! But different strokes for different folks, and now we're all excited for next year.... 😀 😀

 

[nyanko]

I absolutely agree with that, VAgirl. My mom was of the type who was maybe even a little too hands-off sometimes, and while she always let me know her opinion on what I was doing, she also always let me know that no matter what I chose - and it was always my choice - she would support me as best as she could. Now, I've made my fair share of mistakes (and probably a couple of other people's share too!), but I think I learned from every single one and I think I came out a better person because of it. More parents would do well to be like mine.

And everyone here who talks about going traveling and seeing the world and stuff just makes me so jealous! I think that part of the reason that I haven't stayed in one place for more than 3 years since I graduated from high school is the insatiable wanderlust I have that was never quite satisfied because I never did anything like that when I had the chance.

 

[twelvetigers]

Under the original subject of this thread, I just saw a quote (you know, one of those familiar ones that I somehow forgot) and decided that it was relevant to this thread. In my mind, at least.

"All that is gold does not glitter,
Not all those who wander are lost;
The old that is strong does not wither,
Deep roots are not reached by the frost."

It's by the man himself... J.R.R. Tolkien. 🙂 Of course it's not relevant in the context in which it was wrtten, but that's what's great about quotes - you find something you love because you can apply it to your own life situations.

 

[CalpardNY]

Under the original subject of this thread, I just saw a quote (you know, one of those familiar ones that I somehow forgot) and decided that it was relevant to this thread. In my mind, at least.

"All that is gold does not glitter,
Not all those who wander are lost;
The old that is strong does not wither,
Deep roots are not reached by the frost."

It's by the man himself... J.R.R. Tolkien. 🙂 Of course it's not relevant in the context in which it was wrtten, but that's what's great about quotes - you find something you love because you can apply it to your own life situations.

I don't want to go off topic and turn this into a quote sharing thread because we all know we could do that forever...but i have to agree with twelvetigers on this...at the beginning of this year off/home i was watching Mona Lisa Smile and found a quote about wandering that i have been focusing on to get me through this year...

"Not all who wander are aimless. Especially not those who seek truth beyond tradition, beyond definition, beyond the image. "

Maybe it will reinforce that wandering does not equal aimelssness, which i think is a good point!

 

[enchantingme2]

I decided to do the same thing for pretty much the same reasons. I cannot express how happy I am that I did. Between saving up a nice little bit to help with living expenses and getting much needed experience, this year has been priceless. I also used the year to take two pre-reqs that were required at some school but not others just so I had them on my transcript. It has been definately worth the time, and I cannot support you enough in your decision!

PLUS after taking a year off the suspense to get back to school is amazing, I am definately ready to start in the fall!