I was wondering, for those who have gone from a BA to a MA, did you take a break in between? Was it tough getting back on track? I have just completely the COSC BS in Liberal Studies and am going to start a MA in either history or film studies. I was thinking of taking a break until August but am worried it might be harder to get going again as opposed to just breaking until Feb. Experiences? Opinions?
I took a break for about a year. I worked. It's really an individual thing. I needed to re-charge my batteries and focus on other things. I had grinded out two bachelor's degrees in less than two years, so I was burned out. By the time I went back for a master's I was excited about school again.
With two semesters to go before I graduate with a BS, I ponder this question as well. I've decided to dive immediately into graduate school because I'm afraid that if I were to take a break, I might never return.
Let's see, does 20 years count as a break? Based upon my experience I would recommend whatever break you need to reenergize but you don't want to lose the study kills, habits, and any relevant knowledge that is a building block for your MA. My current thoughts have been to keep at least one class in front of me at all times so that I am moving forward. I think either of your plans for start months would work but the August date might give you an opportunity to decompress better. I think Rich's point on being excited about school is the correct mindframe to continue. Regards, Kevin
I agree with both Rich and Fed. I recently graduated from Upper Iowa University with a BS in Accounting, I am starting my MBA at UMASS 26 January, but my choice was more motivated by time available and what the military will have me doing in a year, otherwise to be honest I would have taken a year off. It is really a personal choice, and good luck to you. William Parker
I took off a year (meaning that I only worked at my full-time job) in between finishing my Bachelors and starting my Masters. I took the time more as a way to feel certain of my choice of Masters degree programs rather than some need to take a break from school. I used the "free time" to give myself a course in American Literature (self-designed). I read a whole bunch of great books and performed extremely well in the exams. Jack
