words Al Woods
Are you wondering what to do after your senior year? Resource sites such as College Jaguar have tons of helpful information about college life and admissions that can help you decide where to apply next. But what if you are not ready to continue your academic studies? Taking a gap year is one way to figure out what you want to do with your life before committing to a four-year course. But there are some pros and cons that you should consider.
The Benefits of Taking a Gap Year (Pros)
Have A Break – You may feel a little burned out from academics after high school. Taking a break can allow you to refresh, regroup, and get ready to take on your studies with a healthier mindset. You can achieve better results academically if you are relaxed and ready to work instead of stressed and overwhelmed.
Explore Your Options – While you are still in high school, you may not have a clear idea of what career path you want to take after college. During your gap year, you can try out positions in different fields of interest. This will allow you to find the best fit and make a better decision about what to study in college.
Gain Experience – One of the best things about taking a gap year is the opportunity to gain valuable real-world experience in the field that you choose. The skills and knowledge that you earn will prepare you well for your chosen career and can strengthen your college application.
See the World – Traveling during your gap year is a great opportunity to see new places and learn about different cultures. Once you start higher education or work, you will not have the time to travel for months on end. This is one of your last chances to broaden your horizons.
Save Money – By postponing the start of your studies for one year, you have time to save money for college tuition and living expenses. Having a financial cushion can help make the transition to college less stressful and allow you to focus on your studies without worrying about your financial situation.
The Drawbacks of Taking a Gap Year (Cons)
Spend Money – Unless you are planning to work, taking a gap year can be costly. If you are hoping to travel, you will need to pay for airfare, accommodations, and sightseeing activities. If you plan to volunteer or work as an unpaid intern, you may need to rely on your savings or parents to take care of your living expenses.
Tougher Admissions – Most admission applications are submitted during the final year of high school. Some schools will allow gap year applications, but you will need to submit a separate application from the regular admissions process. This can make it harder to get into the school of your choice.
Loss of Momentum – Taking a year off can cause you to lose momentum in your studies. It can be tough to get back into the swing of things once the year is over, especially if you have pursued other interests. You may find yourself struggling to stay on track with coursework and finding it harder to complete your degree.
No Added Value – If you spend your gap year just relaxing at home or traveling, it may not provide you with any skills that are relevant to your chosen career. In fact, losing a year of work experience and wages could have a significant cumulative effect on much you earn and save over your lifetime.
Delayed Graduation – Starting your degree one year later means that you will finish your degree one year later. This means that all your high school peers will have a year of work experience or advanced education that you will lack when you graduate. This could make it more difficult for you to secure a job after graduation.
How Should I Choose?
If you are unsure whether to take time off before starting college, there are several things to consider. First, ask yourself why you want to take a gap year and what you plan to do with the time. Visit college resource sites to learn more about college life and majors to make a more informed decision. Talk to your prospective college’s admissions office to find out if they accept gap year applicants and what you need to do to apply.
Next, determine how long you can afford to spend on your gap year and how it will affect your future academic and career goals. How will you pay for your year off? What are the values of the activities that you plan to participate in? If you plan to work during this year, consider how much you will be able to earn and save. Check out internships and work placements to find out if they are worth the time and associated costs.
Finally, look for an option that ticks most (if not all) of your boxes. For instance, you may choose to enroll in a structured gap year program that has set goals and activities and will provide you with a chance to learn skills essential to your future career. Whatever you decide, make sure that you fully understand the associated risks and discuss them with your family members and counselors.
