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Is it OK to take a gap year?
I'm not sure if I want to go to college straight away
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Jane’s Answer
I think it's perfectly okay to take a gap year!
If you're worried about:
A. how it might affect getting into college if you do decide to go, then I would say that a gap year gives you a lot to write about if you take the time to explore. (I know a lot of students have been taking a gap year because of COVID anyway and they didn't want to pay expensive tuition for online classes, and also everything is depressing right now, so I think most college admissions will be understanding.) If you go and volunteer, then you can learn new skills and get some experience, network a little and meet new and interesting people who might help spark some interest in one field or another. There are also other '"skilled" jobs that don't require much experience where you can go and learn a little bit if you just send out a resume (even if there's not much on it), and you can take the time to gain experience and make a little money. Everything that you do during this time between high school and college is something you a use to spin a nice story for college admissions even if it didn't feel like much to you at the time, and it might even help boost your application because you'll be able to write a better personal statement and there will be more to you than your grades.
B. running out of steam and dealing with inertia. It's definitely a bit difficult to get back into school once you've been out of it for a while, but usually if it's something you're interested in, going back to school can be something exciting! And if you're dreading it because of the rigor/lifestyle change, it's always okay to take baby steps. You can start with community college and then transfer to a university. You also can be a part-time student to lessen the stress.
C. what other people think, then I'd say that it doesn't really matter to most people. In college or at your workplace, no one's going to know how old you are or how long it took you to get where you are if you don't tell them. Taking a break or not knowing what you want isn't a sign of weakness or anything. Your work, your school, other people etc aren't going to put you as their priority. You have to make yourself your own priority and figure out what's best for you, and if you decide that means a gap year, then a gap year is a good thing for you.
The only thing I might say is that you shouldn't work too hard or stress too much during the gap year if you do take a gap year, but also don't put yourself in a position where you aren't doing anything. If you've got hobbies you know you'll work at and that help keep up your morale, then work on those. Otherwise, I'd suggest taking a class at an adult school, taking free online courses like at coursera, learning a new language or any new skill with a group, joining a club, working on a project with like-minded people or maybe volunteering at an animal shelter, hospice, museum, library, aquarium, anywhere or anything to get out of the house and give yourself a semblance of schedule and some social interaction. It's important to feel productive and capable and be confident in your ability to overcome obstacles, and the best way to build that confidence is through experience. (Plus, you might figure out what you want to do and whether college is needed to do that as well as have something to write about if you do decide to go to college.)
If you're worried about:
A. how it might affect getting into college if you do decide to go, then I would say that a gap year gives you a lot to write about if you take the time to explore. (I know a lot of students have been taking a gap year because of COVID anyway and they didn't want to pay expensive tuition for online classes, and also everything is depressing right now, so I think most college admissions will be understanding.) If you go and volunteer, then you can learn new skills and get some experience, network a little and meet new and interesting people who might help spark some interest in one field or another. There are also other '"skilled" jobs that don't require much experience where you can go and learn a little bit if you just send out a resume (even if there's not much on it), and you can take the time to gain experience and make a little money. Everything that you do during this time between high school and college is something you a use to spin a nice story for college admissions even if it didn't feel like much to you at the time, and it might even help boost your application because you'll be able to write a better personal statement and there will be more to you than your grades.
B. running out of steam and dealing with inertia. It's definitely a bit difficult to get back into school once you've been out of it for a while, but usually if it's something you're interested in, going back to school can be something exciting! And if you're dreading it because of the rigor/lifestyle change, it's always okay to take baby steps. You can start with community college and then transfer to a university. You also can be a part-time student to lessen the stress.
C. what other people think, then I'd say that it doesn't really matter to most people. In college or at your workplace, no one's going to know how old you are or how long it took you to get where you are if you don't tell them. Taking a break or not knowing what you want isn't a sign of weakness or anything. Your work, your school, other people etc aren't going to put you as their priority. You have to make yourself your own priority and figure out what's best for you, and if you decide that means a gap year, then a gap year is a good thing for you.
The only thing I might say is that you shouldn't work too hard or stress too much during the gap year if you do take a gap year, but also don't put yourself in a position where you aren't doing anything. If you've got hobbies you know you'll work at and that help keep up your morale, then work on those. Otherwise, I'd suggest taking a class at an adult school, taking free online courses like at coursera, learning a new language or any new skill with a group, joining a club, working on a project with like-minded people or maybe volunteering at an animal shelter, hospice, museum, library, aquarium, anywhere or anything to get out of the house and give yourself a semblance of schedule and some social interaction. It's important to feel productive and capable and be confident in your ability to overcome obstacles, and the best way to build that confidence is through experience. (Plus, you might figure out what you want to do and whether college is needed to do that as well as have something to write about if you do decide to go to college.)
Updated
Jeannette’s Answer
My response is, absolutely! If you do not feel ready, doing something else will give you the time and space you need in which to determine when/if you are ready.
Being self-aware of what you are ready for and what you are not ready for is actually a very good sign. Trust your instincts. Is there something else, other than college, that you feel called to do? Then, hard as it may be for whatever reason, that is your way forward.
Best of luck to you, whatever you decide to do!
Being self-aware of what you are ready for and what you are not ready for is actually a very good sign. Trust your instincts. Is there something else, other than college, that you feel called to do? Then, hard as it may be for whatever reason, that is your way forward.
Best of luck to you, whatever you decide to do!
Updated
Madi’s Answer
Hi Anna,
It is perfectly fine to take a gap year after high school. Everyone's life is different. Therefore, some people may find it best to go into college straight after high school while others find it best to take a break. Within that break, you can figure out things such as where you want to go, what type of career field you want, etc. You can also use that gap year to visit colleges and even pick up a job to save up for your tuition, fees, books, etc.
It is perfectly fine to take a gap year after high school. Everyone's life is different. Therefore, some people may find it best to go into college straight after high school while others find it best to take a break. Within that break, you can figure out things such as where you want to go, what type of career field you want, etc. You can also use that gap year to visit colleges and even pick up a job to save up for your tuition, fees, books, etc.
Updated
Chelsea’s Answer
Yes! Taking time for yourself and figuring out what you want is more than okay! You will not miss out or be considered “less than”! Do what you feels best for you and I wish you all the luck in your future endeavors