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A gap year is a break between high school and college that allows young adults to explore and discover themselves and the world. It is common practice in many parts of the world, with the exception of the United States.
As graduation approaches, you may be at a crossroads. Should you take the conventional route and go straight to college, or do you dream of taking a break from school to try something new?
Both options have their value. Although less than 5% of high school students in the U.S. choose to take a gap year before enrolling in college, the Gap Year Association reports that “students who have taken a gap year are more likely to graduate with higher grade point averages than matched individuals who go directly to college.”
Let's discuss some of the pros and cons of taking a gap year and explore some options that can help you take your next step, whatever your decision.
What does it mean to take a gap year?
A gap year is typically a year-long period between high school and college during which a student pursues other, non-academic interests. It is designed to give students a break from the academic rigor of attending school every day. Most students use the time to travel, learn new things or get to know themselves, work, or otherwise engage in an activity that brings them closer to what they want to do next.
Taking a gap year is not a new concept. While many high school graduates in the U.S. chose to take a gap year during the Covid-19 era, causing college enrollment in 2020 to be 2.5% below average, the idea of a gap year dates back to the 1960s.
For decades in the UK, the gap year was seen as an opportunity for young people to gain practical experience and broaden their horizons before starting college. Now the idea is gaining traction around the world and being adapted to different societal norms.
The 10 most important reasons why students choose a gap year
- Gain life experience
- Travel
- Treat yourself to a break from studying
- Explore post-secondary education options
- Volunteer
- Discover career opportunities
- Learn another language
- Are encouraged by parents or peers
- gain work experience
- Are not admitted to the university of their choice
Benefits of a gap year
The main goal of a gap year is to encourage students to step out of their comfort zone and broaden their horizons in ways that are not directly tied to an academic environment.
Advocates of a gap year emphasize the many benefits that come with taking a break from academics, such as time to pursue passions and gain maturity through new pursuits. Here are some other benefits of a gap year.
Create opportunities for personal development
A year abroad can lead to significant personal development by giving you a break from what you are familiar with. This can mean something as simple as establishing a new daily routine, or something as dramatic as moving to a faraway country.
Either way, this new independence will boost your confidence and give you a strong sense of responsibility. And if you move away from home, you will be forced to become more independent and adapt to change. These are all good qualities to develop and will serve you well in your future career.
Find new academic motivation
Ironically, taking a break from studying can leave you feeling recharged and ready for college. Students typically return after a gap year with a clearer understanding of their strengths and weaknesses and how to align them with their academic goals.
Studies show that students who take a gap year often focus more on their studies and perform better academically because of this new motivation.
Advance your future career
Have you ever been told that you need experience to gain experience? A gap year can be the perfect time to boost your work experience and give yourself a competitive edge when you eventually enter the job market after graduation.
Internships, part-time jobs, and volunteer work allow you to develop valuable skills in dealing with others and meeting deadlines. Additionally, these experiences can help clarify your career goals and expose you to different job titles in the industry that interests you.
Gain a global perspective
Immersing yourself in a new culture and region can be a personally transformative experience, and if you have the opportunity, I highly recommend you do it.
Exposure to different languages, cultures and norms increases social awareness and improves your ability to empathise with others. Why? Trying, seeing or doing something completely new challenges your assumptions and encourages you to be more open-minded about the world. Recognizing that people come from all different socioeconomic, cultural and ethnic backgrounds – and having patience with those who are not like you – is a truly invaluable skill to learn in life.
Disadvantages of a gap year
You wouldn't have a complete picture of what a gap year is if we didn't take into account some of the potential downsides. As you read the following, remember that the goal is not to dissuade you from taking a gap year.
Rather, it is about presenting you with all the relevant information that will help you make the best decision for you.
Be realistic about your expenses
Depending on how you spend your gap year, costs can add up quickly, especially if you plan on traveling. In fact, cost is one of the biggest barriers to a gap year. While traveling is a great way to spend this time, it's a good idea to create a budget and determine in advance how much you want to spend on travel, accommodation, and other activities.
On the other hand, there are ways to cover your costs during this time. Certain organizations offer grants and scholarships for gap year students. And if you choose to work during your gap year, your income can supplement the funding provided by one of these programs.
Loss of academic momentum
Another common point of discussion is that you may lose your academic drive. A year without the day-to-day grind of a formal education can be difficult to recover from. Plus – and I'm not going to lie – returning to full-time school after a year of earning money can be a harsh reality check.
To counteract this, you might consider continuing your education in some way, even if the schedule is much less rigorous. Taking an online course, learning a new language, or otherwise maintaining your intellectual competencies will help you ease back into the school year.
Being exposed to social pressure
In certain parts of the world, it's not common for high school graduates to take a gap year, so you may encounter uncomfortable social (and parental) norms if you take the traditional route to college. Your parents may be particularly concerned that you'll lose your motivation or direction.
If you find yourself in this situation, it's important to discuss your goals and plans for your gap year to show what value it will bring you. Highlighting the benefits of a gap year and reminding others why you need it now can help them get excited about the idea.
Does a gap year affect college admissions?
Finally, if you are wondering how a gap year might affect your chances of college admission the following year, let me tell you this: that a gap year usually works in your favour. It depends mainly on how your academic year was structured and what you can address in your application portfolio.
If you meet the admission requirements and can demonstrate your academic interests, a gap year can actually enhance your application profile.
Choose your next step
A gap year can completely change your interests and goals while reigniting your passion for learning. If you're considering a gap year, first weigh up the pros and cons outlined in this article and then ask yourself a few key questions to determine if a gap year is right for you.
Ultimately, the decision depends on your individual circumstances and goals. If you decide to spend a year abroad, you should plan carefully how you will spend your time and what budget will allow you to get the most out of this new experience.
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