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How hard is it to get into a college after taking a gap year?
I want to go to a good school but I'm not prepared (mentally or financially) to go this year. I want to go into journalism/communications if that helps :)
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Siddharth’s Answer
Your thought about going to school and wanting to expand your knowledge in the field of journalism is important and awesome. A year gap will not impact your career but I would advise not to take too much of a gap. Financial goals keep moving so as long as you are mentally ready go for it. It is never late or early to study.
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Joseph’s Answer
First, it's great that you've realized you are not ready for college. An unsuccessful college career will have a much greater impact on your future career than a gap year, so it's important that you start college when you are ready.
Different colleges will have different policies regarding gap years. I recommend contacting the recruiting office of the colleges you are considering attending in the future and ask this question. This can also help narrow down your college choice and help you set realistic goals for knowing when you will be ready.
Instead of a taking a full gap year, you may want to consider taking taking one or two classes at a Junior College. I have found the quality of instruction at a JC is equal to and sometimes better than a four year institution and the units are usually fully transferable. Many JCs have programs designed to facilitate transfer to a four year institution. You can use this opportunity to explore your major of choice or alternate majors while becoming mentally ready for full time college. And since the tuition at a Junior College is significantly lower than that of a four year institution, this will help you be financially ready for full time college as well.
Contact the admissions office of your colleges of choice to learn about their gap year policies
Research local Junior Colleges transfer programs
Different colleges will have different policies regarding gap years. I recommend contacting the recruiting office of the colleges you are considering attending in the future and ask this question. This can also help narrow down your college choice and help you set realistic goals for knowing when you will be ready.
Instead of a taking a full gap year, you may want to consider taking taking one or two classes at a Junior College. I have found the quality of instruction at a JC is equal to and sometimes better than a four year institution and the units are usually fully transferable. Many JCs have programs designed to facilitate transfer to a four year institution. You can use this opportunity to explore your major of choice or alternate majors while becoming mentally ready for full time college. And since the tuition at a Junior College is significantly lower than that of a four year institution, this will help you be financially ready for full time college as well.
Joseph recommends the following next steps: