For many students, taking a break between high school and college is an excellent way to learn about themselves and the world. Commonly referred to as a “gap year,” this time is spent traveling, working, volunteering or pursuing a passion. However, there are also potential drawbacks, such as cost, difficulty relating to old friends and delayed degree completion. Balancing the pros and cons of a gap year can help you decide what’s best for you given your resources, interests and goals.
Gaining Real-World Experience
Deferring college for a year provides an opportunity to see the world in a new way. If you love traveling, you might want to backpack in Europe, ski in Switzerland or bungee jump in New Zealand, assuming you save money in high school or have generous parents. Or you might choose to spend time on a hobby that produces an income, such as photography. Landing a job offers a respite from studying and writing papers while teaching you to be reliable and hardworking.
Taking time to decide what you really want in life makes sense, especially if you have doubts about your desire for a college education. Many students enter college with little idea of what they want to study or do after graduation. With rising tuition and student debt, it’s wise to consider all your options before automatically enrolling in college. A gap year can help you discover talents, skills and passions, and solidify your career direction. Being on your own also fosters confidence, maturity and independence.
Unless money is no object, taking a year off before college to work or volunteer in the inner city may be unrealistic. For example, organized gap year programs for students who travel or volunteer can cost up to $10,000 or more for a three-month trip, according to "The New York Times” in 2013. Working may allow you to save money for college if you live at home, and your parents don’t charge rent or expect you to pay living expenses -- car insurance, food and your phone bill. Budget wisely, or you could end up with credit card debt instead of money in the bank.
Social Reintegration Challenges
Returning to college after a gap year can feel awkward. Your high school friends will be a year ahead of you in their studies and one year closer to graduation. Although most will be advanced academically, they may seem immature. It can be difficult relating to unfocused high school friends. For example, you may have less interest in beer parties and other distractions that don’t support your academic goals. In order to finish college the same year as your high school classmates, you will need to take a heavier course load each semester and perhaps attend summer school.
- Digital Vision./Photodisc/Getty Images