Timing Is Everything

Timing is a grad school factor that I had not considered until recently. Originally my plan was to graduate college, spend the summer working in order too save a little money for school, and attend grad school in the fall. However, with many looming deadlines and a few past deadlines I am also considering applying for the Spring semester. That way I could save more money by working longer and have a bit more time to "just chill" before heading back to school. Below I have outlined the pros of starting grad school in the fall of 2011 and the pros of starting grad school in the spring of 2012.

Pros of Starting in the Fall

1. less time off = less chance that I fall out of "school mode"
2. I love being in school, the sooner the better
3. starting school sooner means finishing sooner
4. less time waiting to see how I'm going to spend the next 2-3 years
5. Clemson only accepts applications in the Fall
6. if the world does end in 2012, at least I'll have 1 year of grad school under my belt

Pros of Starting in the Spring

1. more time off = more money saved up
2. I would have a longer break to relax
3. I probably would take the GRE again and have more time to study
4. I might not be more prepared to submit my applications, but I would at least feel more prepared

i am drawn toward the fall semester

After compiling this list I feel that either semester would be fine, however I am drawn toward the fall semester. Applying in the spring would mean that I would have a very slim chance of being accepted to Clemson.

A Question for my Readers

Should I start grad school in the fall semester or in the spring semester?