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Gap Years: Are they worth the hype?

The New York Times discussed Malia Obama's contribution to a 'growing and expensive' gap year trend. Is a gap year a good decision for students who want to learn what life has to offer or is it just a waste of time? Taking into account that a student would do some type of volunteering or contribute to society in a way during the gap year. #college #volunteering #travel #college-applications #work-life-balance #gap-year

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Vyla’s Answer

You're going to get so many different answers to this because everyone has had their own experience with gap years. My gap year turned into two years. I left school when I got into my major and realised how much I didn't enjoy it. I travelled the world for two years and met so many different people and was able to watch all of my friends grow from a distance. It was a little discouraging to see all of my friends advance in their career paths while my professional career was on hold, but I DON'T REGRET A THING. I was able to learn from everything going on around me and take some time to figure out my strengths and what I wanted. I was able to reflect and learn a lot from the world. I came back feeling so accomplished. Everyone's gap year looks very different. I always tell everyone that my gap year was the best decision I made for myself. It's still going to be difficult and there are going to be things that happen during your gap year that you're not prepared for but always remember to do what is best for you. Regardless of what you do, you're going to figure it out. Don't feel like you need to rush into anything.
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Spencer’s Answer

Hi Elissa, I think taking a "gap years" is an awesome decision and I wouldn't only think of it in terms of what college's want. Depending on how much you've traveled in the past, it's a great way to see new things and gain independence. I 100% believe that you will learn just as much from travelling by yourself than you would in a summer internship. These are the types of things colleges, employers, and yourself personally should be looking to achieve; stepping out of your comfort zone, learning to be independent, and broadening your view of the world. Lastly, I don't think it's ever too late to take a "gap year," although it definitely becomes more difficult the older you get - so take advantage of the opportunity when you can! After I graduated from college I deferred my start date with my job and took 9 months off to travel - best decision I could have made!
Good luck and go adventure for a year!
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bridget’s Answer

Hi Elissa: What a neat question -- the "Gap Year" is something I wasn't aware of when I went straight from HS into college. Knowing what I know now, I would definitely take one! I will be encouraging my daughter to do so as well.


From a research perspective, the evidence does support that it is definitely not a waste of time. Try checking http://americangap.org/data-benefits.php Some of the intriguing benefits they publish:


-- Universities mostly understand that students who have completed a Gap Year will be more invested, better community members, and have better employability partially as a result of their Gap Year.
-- Gap Year alumni often will use their immersion experience to fuel better admissions essays, and even change their major focus of study having gained clarity and purpose.
-- Creative problem solving as a form of taking any challenging situation and turning it into an opportunity - much like a broken down bus in transit, a cultural misstep, or simply being sick while on a Gap Year.


Best to you,


Bridget
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