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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 5 of 5. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by wishingstar on October 4, 2006, at 12:43:05
... and then, she was a student no more.
I'm dropping out of grad school. At least I think I am. I have a semester and a half left to finish my masters degree.. which doesnt seem like a lot at all, but that includes an entire masters thesis, along with a lot of other things.. its quite a lot.
I havent been happy in this program since I started a year ago. It's not really in my interests (it's research psych, while I want to do therapy). I had considered dropping out before, but I just couldnt allow myself. Then my T (Laurie) suggested it and it somehow felt like I have permission now. Her saying it somehow is letting me allow myself to do it.
My advisor is understandly not thrilled. I am going to take a mental health withdrawl (since I was just in the hospital, itll be easy). That means that itll be easy to return should I want to in the next year or so, but I doubt I will.
In one way, the relief is tremendous. But in another, this is very scary. I'm only 23 years old and took no time off between high school, college, and grad school, so I havent been out of school since I was 5 years old. Very scary.
I'm trying to decide whether to go ahead and apply to the grad programs I WANT to be in for next fall, or take an extra year inbetween. I want to do it next fall, but I also want to have a strong enough application that I'll get accepted to good schools. My self-worth is very dependent on that for me... which I know I need to change.
I hope this is the right decision.
Posted by alexandra_k on October 5, 2006, at 7:03:09
In reply to Dropping out, posted by wishingstar on October 4, 2006, at 12:43:05
> I'm trying to decide whether to go ahead and apply to the grad programs I WANT to be in for next fall, or take an extra year inbetween. I want to do it next fall, but I also want to have a strong enough application that I'll get accepted to good schools.Can you apply this fall...
And if you get in someplace you want to go see if you can defer for a year?
(Don't know whether that is possible or not)
Or if you can't defer entry maybe you could do a semester and then have some time off (Once you already have a place in the program)And if you don't get in someplace you want to go this fall...
Then maybe you could do something to boost a round of applications for the following year?Dunno.
Posted by happyflower on October 5, 2006, at 11:26:11
In reply to Re: Dropping out, posted by alexandra_k on October 5, 2006, at 7:03:09
Hi wishingstar,
I really admire your courage to back out of something you know you don't want to do to pursue something that you want. I am sure what you did learn will not be wasted, in fact it will make you even a better T. ;-)
Why not take some time off? You are young, and you can go back. Would you like to get job in your field during you time off? Sometimes seeing acutal experience on your applications might even help you get into those schools that you want. Plus knowing how low paying most of them are,(without a masters) it might inspire you to go back to school when you are ready.
Are you able to at least finish out the semester or have you already dropped? Most people I have talked to (since I dropped out a long time ago, because I deceided not to be a band director)seems to think it is a good thing. I am sure you are not the only student who once they got into an area, deceided it isn't what they really wanted to do. It is a good thing you are finding this out now I think then after graduation.
I am in interested in both areas of Psych, the research and being a T, I didn't know I had to choose, so you have me looking into that. THanks for the heads up. ;-) Glad you feel good about your choice, it seems like you made the right decision for you, and that is important!
Posted by Meri-Tuuli on October 5, 2006, at 12:27:36
In reply to Re: Dropping out, posted by happyflower on October 5, 2006, at 11:26:11
I've taken some time out between by batchelor's degree and masters degree (I get confused by what American's call 'grad school').
Anyway, its done me the world of good, I worked for a couple of years, and tried teaching...which I hated. But now, I have such a fresh perspective on things, its like now I really want to *learn*, before I was only interested in doing the bare minimum to get the best grades, and going out drinking with my mates. Now I'm taking it a whole lot more seriously, and I'm really enjoying it!!!
So maybe a little time out would be good for you. You could try working in your field of interest.....
Kind regards
Meri
Posted by Racer on October 5, 2006, at 19:53:43
In reply to Re: Dropping out, posted by Meri-Tuuli on October 5, 2006, at 12:27:36
That's a tough one. It sounds as though dropping out of this program is the right decision for you -- and I applaud you LOUDLY for finding the courage to do it. GOOD FOR YOU!!! WHOOHOO! Party for WishingStar!
There are benefits and drawbacks for either decision, as far as applying for next fall goes. One benefit you may not be aware of is that you may find school easier after a break, and do even better without a lot more energy. That was my experience, at least.
I guess my advice is to make a T chart... lol I'm laughing at myself, because I am a big believer in two things: outlines and T charts... "What's that? You stubbed your toe? The first thing to do is write an outline..."
Back on track now, a T chart listing the potential benefits and drawbacks, your fears, why you want the time off, why you don't, what you'd do in the meantime, whatever elements you feel are important to you -- I think that would help you make your decision, and give you some added confidence once you make that decision.
I hope that helps.
This is the end of the thread.
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