Is it better to take a gap year or not?

Gap years can be especially valuable for: Recent high school graduates who are undecided about their college major or career path. A gap year allows young people to gain life experiences, explore different fields, and reflect on their interests and passions before committing to a specific academic or career track.

Should I or should I not take a gap year?

While some people are hesitant to pursue a gap year for fear of starting college “late”, a gap year is actually a great way to prepare yourself for college. In fact, studies have shown that students who take a gap year often have higher GPAs and are more involved in campus life than students who don't take a gap year.

What are the negatives of taking a gap year?

The Con: Gap years can be expensive.

From flights to housing to program fees and food, there are a lot of budget considerations to take into account during a gap year. It can add up quick! Depending on the type of gap year travel you choose, you could be looking at some sizeable costs.

Is it better to take a gap year or go straight to college?

The clarity earned by taking a gap year before college can positively affect your academic performance. Research shows that those who take a gap year are more likely to graduate in four or fewer years compared to the national average of six years.

Do colleges look down on gap years?

Many universities view gap years favorably but they shouldn't be taken solely to enhance a college application. When sharing your gap year experience on your application, be sure to make meaningful connections between how your time abroad relates to your academic life.

3 Reasons You Shouldn't Take A Gap Year

Does a gap year hurt or help college students?

For many students, a gap year offers the opportunity to gain skills and experiences while also providing time to reflect and focus on what they want to do next. “The gap year can be a great time to not only find yourself and try something new, but also prepare for college,” Giunta said.

Is it a bad idea to take a gap year in the middle of college?

Taking a year off college isn't the end of the world. It's likely to be a life-changing experience that can actually help you become a better and more engaged student, and provide you with skills you may have not otherwise mastered if you stayed in school straight through until graduation.

Do gap years make it harder to get into college?

Nope! Don't be afraid of a gap year. A gap year will just be another year that factors into your admissions decision. Just like the rest of your educational career, if you do your best and look for opportunities to impress, it will improve your application.

What are the pros and cons of taking a gap year?

You should take a gap year if you have some specific life experiences you want to have before you start your career. Once you start college, those experiences could be hard to fit in. You should not take a gap year if you are not going to plan well. You will waste that year that you could be going to school.

What are the odds of going to college after a gap year?

While parents may be concerned that a gap year may decrease their child's academic momentum, research shows that around 90% of gap year participants attend college within a year of their break. Taking a gap year has also been linked to higher retention and college graduation rates.

Why do parents hate gap years?

Even with the gap year growing in acceptance and popularity, some parents still struggle with preconceived notions about what it can mean for their son or daughter. They may worry a gap year will leave them behind academically or that they may never go to college if they take time out from their formal studies.

Are gap years looked down upon?

Hi there! Taking a gap year is not generally frowned upon by colleges. In fact, many colleges encourage students to take a gap year if they have a well-structured plan or purpose for it.

Is it lonely to take a gap year?

You Will Be Lonely

Friends from back home will post pictures together and you'll wish you could be there. You'll deal with FOMO while abroad. People will get married, have babies, graduate, and reach major life milestones that you will miss. You'll feel homesick, and this is never easy.

What is the best age to take a gap year?

Generally speaking, 18 is the youngest age most people would take a gap year. However, that's not the only rule. In some instances, someone might take a year abroad during high school or 6th form. It's not very common, but it does happen and this could be between the age of 16-18.

Does a gap year hurt your chances?

Taking a gap year before college or university won't affect your admission chances if you use your time and experience wisely. There are two main ways to approach a gap year: deferring admission and delaying application.

What is the best year to take a gap year?

Before College

This is a great time to take a gap year if you've just graduated from high school and already feel burned out academically. Many students spend so much energy worrying about succeeding in high school that going to college can feel daunting.

Is it cheaper to take a gap year?

Less aid and higher tuition costs. Delaying college for a year means that in all probability, college is going to be more expensive for you. If you've applied to college and decided to take a gap year, you may need to relinquish any scholarships or aid you've received.

What are the social benefits of taking a gap year?

Gap-year organizations can connect you with like-minded peers to have fun with and welcoming hosts to provide you with support. The connections you build with your gap-year class and others you meet during your program can turn into lifelong friendships with people who share your goals and passions.

What is gap year stigma?

Gap years are not an established tradition, and there is stigma around not going into the workforce or on to university directly after high school. Why it's a bad reason: Going against the norm in this case will be highly rewarding.

Are you still a freshman if you take a gap year?

When a student takes a gap year, they do not attend college for a year between their senior year of high school and freshman year of college. There are many reasons a student may take a gap year, such as to save money, focus on their family, travel, and more.

How long is too long for a gap year?

It is important to note that a gap “year” can be as long or as short as you want it to be. Some people may take a gap year that is only 2-weeks-long, while other people may opt for a semester-long or year-long program. A gap year is completely customizable and unique to you.

How normal is it to take a gap year?

The Gap Year Association, an Oregon-based nonprofit that helps students access gap year opportunities, estimates that on average, between 40,000 and 60,000 students take a gap year each academic year.

Do most people take a gap year?

Tracking exactly how many students choose to take a gap year is difficult. However, the Denver Gap Year Association, a chapter of the Gap Year Association, estimates “less than 5% of the student population in the United States embrace the idea.”

What three questions should you ask yourself before taking a gap year?

What do you plan to do with your gap year? Would you use your gap year to work, or to rest? Would you prefer to stay home or travel? Figure out how you'd most like to spend your time off school, and start making a plan.

Is it bad to take a gap year after high school?

Gap years can actually reignite your desire to learn. Over 80% of GYA respondents felt that taking a break improved their motivation to pursue higher education, and 78% said that their experiences influenced their choice of study.