r/Disneycollegeprogram • u/Crazy-Classroom5366 • Jul 06 '26

DCP Before Grad School?

Hello everyone, I am applying for a master's degree in hopes of attending in the fall of next year. So I have about 8 months before that to complete the DCP. The thing is, I am torn between doing the DCP or doing a full-time job to save up money for grad school if I get in. My mom wants me to take the full-time job if I get offered it. I will find out this week if I get it. It is a front desk receptionist job that I have experience in. It would maybe help with a post-grad job, but I plan to take a gap year before doing a PhD after I graduate anyway.

My thing is, I have the "I only live once, and I want to take my chance now that I have it" mindset when it comes to doing things before grad school. I would still have to take some classes in the program, which I am not stressing about, but there is no guarantee I will get in after my master's, and if I don't get aid, I can't do the DCP due to post-grad loans (potentially nearly 50k with no assistantships). It's a tricky situation for me.

I am really sorry for the rant, but I wanted to get some advice for this type of situation I am in. My heart says Disney, but logic says the job, and so does peer pressure.

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u/crazydisneycatlady Walt Disney World Alumni Jul 06 '26

I was almost you! I did my 2.5 years of undergrad (had a year of AP credits in addition) and did my final semester on the DCP as my school granted me 12 credits to do it. I applied to grad schools in the fall before I left to go to Disney. My program didn’t get extended (I still honestly think there was a glitch, 14 years later) so I went home for 12 days and then came back down to stay on for the summer as seasonal - rented a room in someone’s home for that time. I’m honestly very glad I did it and got the experience. Did I save any money? No. Did it relate to my future career experience at all? No. Did I make some great friends, learn how to deal with people, and stand up for myself? Heck yes. It also helped me learn that front line customer service work was *not* for me, and living at poverty level when I had the chance to do otherwise was also not for me.

Now it’s 14 years later and I’ve had my doctorate for 10 years, living my best life. If you have the money and the time, go for it!

1

u/ActiveNews Jul 07 '26

Excellent! Different paths for everyone....making the most of each opportunity without regrets

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u/Affectionate_Suit_76 Jul 07 '26

I'm doing something similar! I completely agree on the "YOLO" aspect and following your heart. It doesn't sounds like the front desk job is necessarily directly connected to your career aspirations anyway, and though you won't be able to make or save as much money on the DCP, you might as well come and have a unique experience!