Even though the vast majority of students head directly to college after graduating from high school, a smaller cohort settles for an alternative: a gap year. What previously looked like an unconventional path has become widespread in the last couple of years.
In fact, high school counselors, students and parents are now becoming more aware of the variety of options available after high school and noticing the benefits of taking a gap year. Actually, students use this time to travel, work or volunteer and figure out what they want to study when they do eventually go to college.
If students are considering taking a gap year, then they should go through the college application process as a high school senior as if they are planning to attend right away, instead of waiting to apply during the gap year. You’d be surprised to learn that it is much easier to complete college applications when students are still in school and have the help of counselors and teachers.
There’s no essence of taking a gap year merely because you are putting off your next step. Whether your plan for that year is to work, travel or recharge mentally and emotionally, students need to have a specific reason for taking time off. Actually, they should have a very clear idea in mind regarding what they are going to do afterwards.
It is highly recommended that you determine what motivates you, what your long-term goals are, and whether or not they can make taking a gap year work financially. You can always take a gap year to focus on your mental health or passions, which will help you gain perspective, different skills, and mature emotionally before returning to academics.
Keep in mind a gap year can set you up for academic and professional success. The experiences you have after taking a gap year can be so transformative that there’s a good chance you return a completely renewed and more fulfilled person than just a year ago, thereby setting yourself up for success in almost no time.
