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.
Posted by Jhai (Member # 5633) on :
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?
Posted by vonk (Member # 9027) on :
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.
Posted by Fyfe (Member # 937) on :
Jhai --
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.
*succinct*
Posted by Shanna (Member # 7900) on :
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.
Posted by Phanto (Member # 5897) on :
How long is this going to be?
Posted by King of Men (Member # 6684) on :
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.
Posted by rivka (Member # 4859) on :
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.
Good luck!
Posted by Fractal Fraggle (Member # 9803) on :
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).