posted
I can't decide what to doooooooooo. So I need Hatrack's advice.
Hitherto I was planning on writing a thesis next year. Then I decided I didn't want to, so I didn't apply for the scholarship that would pay my scholarship expenses, and I didn't arrange to get a thesis adviser. I could still get an adviser (probably) but the funding ship has sailed.
Pros:
If I decide to apply to grad school (which I'm feeling dubious about), this would look excellent on my application.
It would be an excellent experience.
If I applied for scholarships for grad school, this would help me to win them.
The topic is one that I find fascinating, and one I would really enjoy researching.
Cons:
I have been being stressy about academic matters for seven years now. When I graduate it will have been eight. I'm tired of it, and right now I really don't want to go to grad school at all.
Every time I think about writing and defending this thesis, and all the stressy work there, I am filled with deep deep misery.
Without the scholarship, it will be pricy, and I am going to have to pay car insurance as well as rent next year.
If I end up not attending grad school, the misery and stress will have been pointless.
What to do, what to do? I can't decide.
Posts: 910 | Registered: May 2000
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posted
What is your major, why would you need to pay to do a thesis, where do you go to school (region/type of university), what are your career goals, and would you get anything out of it personally?
Posts: 2409 | Registered: Sep 2003
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posted
After a strenuous test performed on the rotation and arc of descent of a smallish copper and nickel disc it is decided that you should write the thesis. You're welcome.
Posts: 2596 | Registered: Jan 2006
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Literature. Because I'd need copies of manuscripts made and sent to me, or else I'd need to travel to where the manuscripts are and copy them myself. I go to a state university. My career goals are uncertain right now--maybe go into publishing or writing grants? Yes, I'd get something out of it personally but it might also destroy my soul.
posted
The completion of a thesis is required as part of the undergraduate degree program at my college and I have seen some truly unstable, neurotic individuals survive the thesis-writing process. That knowledge is the only thing keeping me going.
It might suck hardcore, but you'll live.
Posts: 1733 | Registered: Apr 2005
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posted
If you feel this bad about it going in, you'll be in real trouble once you get started. And I tell you truly: Grad school is for people who are sure it's what they want to do. If you're not sure, you should instead graduate and get a job. Come back to grad school in five years, if you really want to.
Posts: 10645 | Registered: Jul 2004
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posted
I agree with KoM. A ridiculously small percentage of grad students actually complete their degree. Going into the process with anything less than at least mild enthusiasm is a dreadful idea.
Give yourself a break from school. Get a job, breathe a little, and then in 6 months or so, reevaluate.
posted
If you feel despair about something that's optional, you shouldn't do it.
Sure, it might help with graduate school, but you sound like you're not 100% on board with going to graduate school. (And I agree with rivka and king of men--you have to be sure you want to be in graduate school...really, really sure.)
Besides, if you take a few years off of school and get a writing job in the meantime, that might help you get into a program (dunno about literature, but work experience helped in my field).
Posts: 36 | Registered: Oct 2006
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