Life after college- freaking out.

[adiamond]

I'm going to be graduating in December with my BS in neuroscience. I'm planning on going to dental school. Right now I have about 2 interviews but I'm really worried I might not get in. I have a gap semester, Jan-July 2016 only IF I do get into dental school. if I don't get in, I have to reapply and then I'd be limbo Jan 2016- July 2017. I have no idea what I should do during this gap semester, what my back up plans should be. Life is short and I don't want to waste any time just being limbo. With my BS degree, I'm not sure what I can find as a job other than an entry level lab-tech job making around 30k a year. I was thinking possibly HR? Should I be looking for full time jobs right now? Anyone have any advice for me?

[Beach Guy]

Congratulations on your upcoming graduation! Maybe you could use some of the time to volunteer or work a paid position in an area of specific interest within dentistry. Make sure it is your career passion before investing tens of thousands of dollars in the first year of dental school.

[d0nnivain]

Waiting to hear if you got into grad school is nerve wracking. Talk to some counselors at school. They are well versed in dealing with that particular stressor

 

 

Assuming you get in & only have a short gap, what do you want to do? How will you support yourself if you don't get in? A PT job is probably in order. Would you like to travel? Can you volunteer somewhere? Join the Peace Corps? Teach English overseas? Work on a cruise ship? There are many short term opportunities. Pick one that interests you.

 

 

If you have a longer gap period, I'd still consider some of the above but perhaps get a job more closely tied to your field. Many pharmaceutical companies need reps or you could sell dental equipment.

 

 

Again avail yourself of the academic counselors at school. They may have more practical suggestions.