Graduate School | UC Davis College of Letters and Science

Taking a gap year after graduation can help decide your future. McNair scholar and Fulbright award winner Amanda Eke ’17, with bachelor’s degree in gender, sexuality and women's studies, is spending this year using hip hop lyrics to teach English in Malta. (Gregory Urquiaga/UC Davis)

5 Ways to Get a Head Start on Graduate School

It's About Options, Research Experience, the GRE, and Knowing What You Want

Planning your life after graduation can be daunting, especially when you have grad school on the brain.

Physics major Mario D'Andrea researched waste reduction and carbon sequestration through compost, like this pile at the UC Davis Student Farm, for a course in physics. (Gregory Urquiaga/UC Davis)

5 Reasons Why Undergraduates Should Do Research

On the List: You Can Explore Career Directions and Build Transferable Skills

Nearly 40 percent of UC Davis undergraduates participate in hands-on research. On the occasion of the 28th annual Undergraduate Research, Scholarship and Creative Activities Conference on April 28 and 29 — where more than 700 students presented their work — we introduce you to some students and graduates who shared what they’ve gained. Consider how the research experience can benefit you, too.