apply now? boost my gpa? gain experience?

[eyeninetyfive]

hello all,

i'm having a difficult time deciding on whether or not i should take some classes as a non-degree student, study abroad, or immediately apply to grad school after i finish my undergrad in the Fall of 2009.

here's a little background info:

Comments

[fullofpink]

Maybe one of your saving graces is that some programs only (truly) consider your last 60 credit hours. A LOT of people do really poorly freshmen and sophomore years and so they rather see your commitment in the final years of your undergraduate study. Is the F your only bad grade in the last 60 hours? If so, there may be a chance. If not... then I would definitely speak with your undergraduate adviser or even some of your Spanish professors about your options. Many C's (more than 3) look really bad on a transcript - grades lower than that are, as you can imagine, much worse.

If you have a hard time debating about grad school, why don't you get a job translating? Travel abroad is one thing, but it's not really experience like a job. You can see if the courts in your city need a few more translators, or you can see if there are any opportunities in large businesses. I think having a real "job" doing this would look better than you just heading off to a real Spanish country to take some class credits. It shows that you have a commanding and pratical use of the language. However, if you go to a Spanish-speaking country as a teacher (there ARE many language immersion programs for American students who wish to teach in a different country) then do IT! It would look great.

I just think that if you study abroad too much with the school it comes off as "fun" and not "work."

Also, any classes that you may have gotten d's in, then please retake them. I'm not sure what else to say unless I find out more info lol.