Decisions, Decisions

[Jen05]

So, I'm a little stressed right now trying to make decisions about nothing other than my future! I'm somebody who takes a long time to make a decision, over-analyze quite a bit, and like to have a bit of a plan. Anyway, here's my situation (I'll try and get to the point!):

I graduate in May with a history degree, and am in the middle of applying to the bachelor of education program at my university. It's an additional two years, and they only admit about 40% of applicants.

In summer/fall I was really sick of school, and Winnipeg and decided I would take this coming year off to work/travel/volunteer/anything to make me leave and get out of routine. However, now they're changing the entire program and if I leave for a year, I'll have to take additional courses and risk not getting in because they might begin accepting fewer people. Plus, I now have a part-time job that I love, and while applying am realizing how different the education program would be than what I'm in right now! In other words, staying at home isn't as horrible as I thought it might be. Then again, if I don't take a year off to travel more, who knows when I will? (See what I mean about over-analyzing?)

Anyway, I'm looking for any insights/advice/anything from like-minded young travelers. I have to decide soon, cause a bunch of friends are trying to get me to do different stuff this summer, but I'll save that for another post! Thanks guys!

[xanthuos]

Apply. Once accepted, request a deferred admission for a year so that you can travel. Worst they can do is say that they can't guarantee your spot and then you can make the more difficult decision of whether or not to take the risk and travel, or stay in the program.

[juliagulia]

Well if it were me, I'd proably say to go for the bachelors now. It's easier to finish your education now and then travel with a saftey net than to go traveling when it could hurt your education...

Or do what Xanthous said...

Or... do you NEED your bachelors to go into the career you want to go into? Kind of sounds contradictory to be like... heh do you even NEED to further your education..?

[blinkchick2134]

My question is would getting your BA in Education take another 4 years? Or two? Or less?

If it's 4 years then I say take the year off...I mean who knows where you'll be in 4 years!

If it's less like 1 or 2 years I say stick through it and get your degree. If you have a job you like and already started the process of applying for the program you should just get it over with. Plus, trust me, getting back into the swing of school after a break, even a short one, is tough.

Hope this helped a little!

[bluepea]

Take X's advice first off - it never hurts to try to get a deferred start date.

Travel during this summer - you'll have about three months right? Then, it's really only a year and half (thinking positively!) afterwards until you finish (August to May a year and half later). You can then take your year off between school and career - maybe traveling/volunteering will lead into your career.

That's just my opinion, but do what you really feel like doing.

[U2fan]

I agree with the above....apply so you have the option, and then you have longer to decide. And just see what happens; not to be a downer but maybe you won't even get in now and then the decision is made for you and then you go travel for a year!

[Jen05]

It all seems so logical after all your comments, so thanks! I did talk to the faculty about deferring, and with the popularity of the program they don't allow that, but I could take a coorespondance course to stay in the program (although a huge binder in my backpack trekking across who knows where...I dunno!) Anyway, I think most of the pressure was from friends trying to bring me along on their summer plans, which might affect fall plans, and so on and so forth. Long story short, I'm one reference away from sending in my application and I'll keep ya posted! Thanks again.

[kingcrazylegs]

the other option is to take a year off and then go to school somewhere else - there are lots of schools out there, and some in pretty cool places too!

[The Monsignor]

Let me refer you to this post (link below), and say, I'd suggest carrying the damned binder, and call it a small price to pay for your dreams and peace of mind...

Down Mexico Way

Don't become one of those old men i mentioned...

[xanthuos]

I'm sure there will also be various ways to cut down on the size and contents of the binder (such as digitizing some contents and things).