<aside> <img src="/icons/hourglass_gray.svg" alt="/icons/hourglass_gray.svg" width="40px" /> “I absolutely would recommend taking a gap year. Undergrad can be really intense and draining, even if you’re in a great program with lots of support. Having the time to step back, recharge, and get some experience outside of school is wonderful. Especially if you can find a job or volunteer experience related to your field, that can help build your resume and skill set going into graduate school. The only drawback with taking a gap year is that your professors might not remember you as well for writing recommendation letters. If you can keep up that connection during your gap year, that’ll help you down the line with graduate school applications.” — Vivian Mohn, psychology specialist, graduated in 2022, now taking a gap year
</aside>
<aside> <img src="/icons/hourglass_gray.svg" alt="/icons/hourglass_gray.svg" width="40px" /> “Yes! There are not many built-in opportunities for you to take a break in life. A break doesn’t need to mean doing nothing. It’s a great time to get more work or volunteer experience and to travel! If you’re planning on applying for graduate school, it’s also a lot easier to do when you’re not taking 5 classes and have more time to dedicate to your applications and think about why you want to go, which makes for a stronger personal statement!” — Jordana Schiralli, psychology specialist (2016) & Ph.D. student in social psychology (2023), now a senior research analyst at a public relations agency
</aside>
<aside> <img src="/icons/hourglass_gray.svg" alt="/icons/hourglass_gray.svg" width="40px" /> “I would recommend taking a gap year as I think it gives you a lot of clarity on what fulfills you in your career, what you truly enjoy doing, and what type of lifestyle you want to lead in your day-to-day life. Undergrad can be very stressful, so taking a break from rigorous academic study can help you clear your mind and examine what you want to do with your career and life in a stress-free state. There is no 'ideal' timeline to get things done/go to grad school/ 'start' your career. Take it easy :)”
— Rekha Ravikumar, psychology major, graduated in 2023, now taking a gap year
</aside>
<aside> <img src="/icons/hourglass_gray.svg" alt="/icons/hourglass_gray.svg" width="40px" /> “There are various paths that you can take after completing the research specialist program, including going to grad school, taking a fifth year, graduating and working in academia, and taking a gap year to work in non-academic environments. I find that taking a fifth year has given me the time to more deliberately think through what I want to do next and gain more experience (e.g., lab management, working on a community-engaged project in a course, writing manuscripts). I now feel much more prepared to apply to graduate school.”
— Elisabetta, psychology research specialist, now taking a 5th year
</aside>
<aside> <img src="/icons/hourglass_gray.svg" alt="/icons/hourglass_gray.svg" width="40px" /> “If you did not take a gap year before undergrad, I think it is important to get a breather and try to experience life outside of academia. Even if you did, it largely depends on you and probably wouldn't harm you. It's not a race, it is very beneficial to have varied experiences going into grad school, and your mental health is a top priority. Just make sure to mention [that you will be taking a gap year] to your potential referees so that they can take note and remember you in a year.” — Mishel Alexandrovsky, psychology research specialist, graduated in 2023, now a 1st-year PhD student at UofT
</aside>
<aside> <img src="/icons/hourglass_gray.svg" alt="/icons/hourglass_gray.svg" width="40px" /> “I definitely would [recommend taking a gap year], I think that going straight into graduate school has the potential to lead to burnout or regrets years down the line. In my opinion, a gap year is a great time to be free of academic responsibilities and to really make sure you are intentional with your grad school plans.” — Anonymous, psychology research specialist, graduated in 2023, now taking a gap year
</aside>
<aside> <img src="/icons/hourglass_gray.svg" alt="/icons/hourglass_gray.svg" width="40px" /> “Really depends on the person and their circumstances. Lots of factors to consider.”
— Valeria Khudiakova, psychology research specialist, graduated in 2023, now a first-year Ph.D. student at the University of Birmingham, UK
</aside>
<aside> <img src="/icons/hourglass_gray.svg" alt="/icons/hourglass_gray.svg" width="40px" /> “Pursuing graduate studies directly after graduation was something that I was interested in! I was passionate about the kind of research I was involved in and wanted an opportunity to enhance my skill set. I would recommend going into grad school following undergrad if you are ready and excited about it! However, everyone has their own personal experiences and interests, so ultimately, it is more important to find a plan that works best for you!” — Elaine Wang, psychology specialist, graduated in 2023, now taking a gap year
</aside>
🔗 To Main Page: UofT Psychology: Roadmap to Success
🔗 To Section Page: Should I take a gap year?
🎯Moving on: What motivated you to take a gap year?