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camila
Student
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Gap years?
Why, do people reccomend not taking gap years after high school?
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4 answers
Ren Oh
Coffee Business Consultant
2
Answers
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Updated
Ren’s Answer
Some people do recommend taking a gap year after high school, there are also some who advise against it due to a lot reasons:
Academic Momentum: For some students, taking a gap year might disrupt their academic momentum. Going straight from high school to college or university can help them maintain their focus and motivation for learning.
Risk of Procrastination: Without a clear plan for the gap year, there's a risk of falling into a prolonged period of procrastination and not utilizing the time effectively. Some students may struggle to re-enter the structured academic environment after an extended break.
Limited Career Opportunities: If a gap year involves only working low-skilled jobs or not gaining any valuable experiences, it may not enhance a person's resume or career prospects.
Financial Concerns: For students who rely on financial aid or scholarships, a gap year might complicate matters, as some financial aid packages are tied to immediate enrollment in college.
Family Expectations: In some cultures or families, there may be pressure to immediately pursue higher education or start working without a gap year.
Fear of Not Returning to Education: Some students may worry that if they take a gap year, they will lose interest in further education altogether and not end up pursuing a college degree.
It's important to note that these concerns are not universal, and many students find gap years to be incredibly beneficial. When planned thoughtfully, a gap year can offer opportunities for personal growth, self-discovery, skill-building, and gaining valuable experiences that may shape a person's future academic and career path. Ultimately, whether or not to take a gap year should be a decision based on individual goals, circumstances, and preferences. If someone is considering a gap year, it's crucial to have a clear plan and goals for the time off to make the most of it.
Academic Momentum: For some students, taking a gap year might disrupt their academic momentum. Going straight from high school to college or university can help them maintain their focus and motivation for learning.
Risk of Procrastination: Without a clear plan for the gap year, there's a risk of falling into a prolonged period of procrastination and not utilizing the time effectively. Some students may struggle to re-enter the structured academic environment after an extended break.
Limited Career Opportunities: If a gap year involves only working low-skilled jobs or not gaining any valuable experiences, it may not enhance a person's resume or career prospects.
Financial Concerns: For students who rely on financial aid or scholarships, a gap year might complicate matters, as some financial aid packages are tied to immediate enrollment in college.
Family Expectations: In some cultures or families, there may be pressure to immediately pursue higher education or start working without a gap year.
Fear of Not Returning to Education: Some students may worry that if they take a gap year, they will lose interest in further education altogether and not end up pursuing a college degree.
It's important to note that these concerns are not universal, and many students find gap years to be incredibly beneficial. When planned thoughtfully, a gap year can offer opportunities for personal growth, self-discovery, skill-building, and gaining valuable experiences that may shape a person's future academic and career path. Ultimately, whether or not to take a gap year should be a decision based on individual goals, circumstances, and preferences. If someone is considering a gap year, it's crucial to have a clear plan and goals for the time off to make the most of it.
Joshua Hsueh
Software Engineer Intern
5
Answers
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Updated
Joshua’s Answer
There is no right or wrong when it comes to how you plan your life! The real answer is that it depends on your situation. Sometimes, a gap year is very beneficial for a student. They can freely travel the world in that year and gain other crucial life lessons that can't be found in the classroom. Other students take the year to figure out what they would like to study and do as a career. On the other hand, if a student doesn't do anything in that gap year, it delays their career growth by a year. Even that isn't the end of the world. Young students have a long career ahead of them. A one year delay may not be a problem in the long run.
I recommend looking at the reasons you may want to consider a gap year. The cons I can think of are:
You might not be ready for the responsibility of being on your own.
You might miss out on important experiences, such as living in a dorm and making new friends.
You might have difficulty getting back into the swing of school after a year off.
You might lose momentum in your studies.
You might spend more money than you anticipated.
In the end, you will need to weigh the pros and cons of each option and decide what's the best move for you! Best of luck!
I recommend looking at the reasons you may want to consider a gap year. The cons I can think of are:
You might not be ready for the responsibility of being on your own.
You might miss out on important experiences, such as living in a dorm and making new friends.
You might have difficulty getting back into the swing of school after a year off.
You might lose momentum in your studies.
You might spend more money than you anticipated.
In the end, you will need to weigh the pros and cons of each option and decide what's the best move for you! Best of luck!
Nancy Del Castillo
MSW intern
6
Answers
Indio, California
Updated
Nancy’s Answer
It is not recommended to not get gap years after high school since its important to find work in your community and seek work advice from a mentor that can guide in on job positions that you feel you are qualified to do.
Enise Agel
144
Answers
Updated
Enise’s Answer
Hello Camila.
What I would think of not taking year is absolutely the right choice. However, if you have psychologically depression, ill, or disabilities during the academic year, gap year can be beneficial for the future. I totally agree on Ren's answer, yet it depends on our mood.
By the way, I am taking gap year at the university, and and I am currently struggling whether I will withdraw or continue to study again. Yet what I would say is that if you want to graduate from the Uni, high school, or whatever it is, you should have your confidence and your belief for the further steps you can take.
Not taking gap year;
Prevents the wrong decisions you thought before,
It can be tiring you, yet you can certainly continue to study and progress on academic year.
Taking gap year;
It can be beneficial to reduce the negativity (psychologically or health condition) for a year.
It is time to know and believe yourself. You will have free time to think about how you can achieve, how you can develop yourself, and how you can engage with the people.
I hope this helps
What I would think of not taking year is absolutely the right choice. However, if you have psychologically depression, ill, or disabilities during the academic year, gap year can be beneficial for the future. I totally agree on Ren's answer, yet it depends on our mood.
By the way, I am taking gap year at the university, and and I am currently struggling whether I will withdraw or continue to study again. Yet what I would say is that if you want to graduate from the Uni, high school, or whatever it is, you should have your confidence and your belief for the further steps you can take.
Not taking gap year;
Prevents the wrong decisions you thought before,
It can be tiring you, yet you can certainly continue to study and progress on academic year.
Taking gap year;
It can be beneficial to reduce the negativity (psychologically or health condition) for a year.
It is time to know and believe yourself. You will have free time to think about how you can achieve, how you can develop yourself, and how you can engage with the people.
I hope this helps