“The IDF conversions have many problems and are not accepted in the wider Orthodox world.”
Rabbi Ovadia Yosef accepts them.
“It sounds like you’re in the US. Why can’t you convert while you’re in graduate school?”
I agree. Find the local Orthodox rabbi and talk to him. He can supervise you and take you to a respected out of town beit din if there is none in your community. I know many who have done that.
Good luck!