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Would you recommend going into college right after high school or taking a break first, and why? What did you do?

I'm in high-school right now and I think I want to go into collage right away, but want to see what others think. Is taking a 'gap year' better, or no?

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Alan’s Answer

Arguments can be made either way. Ultimately, no one can answer this for you. The possible advantages to taking off a year are to earn some money, gain some experience, "see the world" a bit, and mature a little more so as to make the best decisions about your direction in life. The possible disadvantages are that you would be out of "school mode," possibly forgetting some of the basics learned in high school, and becoming seduced with the immediate gratification of earning money and deciding to keep putting off going to college. The reverse would, of course, be true of going directly into college. It depends on many factors: your finances, your maturity, how clear you already are on your career path, even your stress level. You can make either path work. Just keep your eyes on what's best in the long run.
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Jennifer’s Answer

Use your future goals and career dreams as a compass to guide your journey forward, but also put in the work to gain a better understanding as to what will work for you:
- Do some research about the career paths that pique your interest
- Engage in conversations with people already thriving in your areas of interest.
- Lean on the expertise from trusted mentors (like your guidance counselor)
- Internships and apprenticeships are fantastic opportunities to try out different things and discover what truly ignites your passion.

For instance, a local high school in our community has formed an alliance with a nearby technical college. This partnership allows students to gain practical work experience and earn academic credits while still in high school. This is an excellent opportunity for students keen on entering fields such as nursing, metalwork, construction, home building, or other trades.

If you're considering college, remember there's no rush to declare a major immediately. Spend the first year or two broadening your horizons with general education classes and exploring your interests through electives. This way, when the time comes to choose a major, you'll have a clearer picture of your likes and dislikes. My own journey is a testament to this. Initially, I was drawn towards law, a field that typically requires a degree. However, after dabbling in a few business classes, I found my true calling in Advertising/Marketing. Consequently, I switched my major to a BA in Communications in Advertising, with a minor in Marketing and Retail Management. It's not uncommon to change paths along the way; some of my friends switched their majors multiple times before finding their perfect fit.

Remember the words of Baz Luhrmann: "Don't feel guilty if you don't know what you want to do with your life, the most interesting people I know didn't know at 22 ... some of the most interesting 40-year-olds I know still don't." The essence of this quote is that your journey is yours to define. Everyone's path is unique, and there's no wrong choice as long as it's the right one for you.
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Emina’s Answer

Hello! You've asked a wonderful question, one that I'm certain has crossed the minds of many. So, kudos to you for bringing it up!

Straight out of high school, I decided to dive into college life. This journey was a rewarding one as it allowed me to step out of my comfort zone, away from my parents, and embrace independence. It was during my time in college, through various courses, that I discovered my passion for the work I continue to do today. College is not just about academics; it's also a wonderful place to begin lifelong friendships, learn practical skills like laundry and money management, and develop time management skills. The responsibility of taking care of yourself and completing your tasks on time is a valuable lesson that college teaches you.

While juggling my courses, I managed to secure an on-campus internship. This experience was instrumental in helping me transition into my desired work field after college. Even today, many employers value a four-year degree, particularly in the business sector, though it's not a universal requirement. Ultimately, the decision rests with you, based on your personality and career aspirations.

I hope you find this insight beneficial!

Best,
Emina
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Michelle’s Answer

I would definitely enroll in college after graduating high school. It is a most wonderful transition that feels like a natural progression. I knew too many people who decided to go to college many years after high school and they found it difficult as a lifestyle change. When you are fresh out of high school, you still have the energy and drive to keep being a student, especially full time. It is the best time to do it.

I graduated high school, moved very far away, had to get settled in my new place and entered college in that Spring semester. I than took a summer session course to catch up. I was eager, but since I was going to move that far, I had to make sure basic things were in place so it did seem like it was right after high school since it was only a one semester gap. I am so glad I did it that way, though.

As time goes on, you will start to decide yourself as to whether delaying it a year would be worthwhile for you. That works out for some people and not for others. I have heard that some people who take a year off, get comfortable in new things and forget about going to college. Some people need that year off to relocate, work and save money or for many other reasons. You'll know what to do. Just keep asking people about their experience with this which will add to your decision making process.

Wishing you all the best in whatever you decide !
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Rebecca’s Answer

Thank you for your question. This is a very good question. It is more subject to your preference.
However, I would recommend you to consider to take gap year during the college days rather than before the college starts. After you finish the first a couple of years, you will acquire the basic understanding on the major and minor subjects. It would be beneficial if you can explore any intern opportunities to work in the real life environment. This can help you to understand the actual business model and establish people network in the industry.
On the other hand, if you prefer to take gap year before college starts, you can decide to do some voluntary work overseas or have a working holiday overseas. This can give you international exposure which is also beneficial for your future development.
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
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Ritu’s Answer

I recommend not taking a break. It can be challenging to regain your rhythm. Studies indicate that individuals who delay often struggle to return to college.
Thank you comment icon Taking a break can get you unmotivated to push forward. Best thing is to just keep pushing forward! Laura Sater, EFDA,IV,CPR
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L’s Answer

College is the best and most fun and liberating experience that you will ever get. You will meet people that will stay with you for the rest of your life, do so many interesting things, and have so much fun. It's OK to change majors a few times once you are in college - no one has it all figured out going in and it's totally OK to learn as you go what you want to major in. Sometimes, the only way you will know what you want to do is by going to the classes and experiencing it in college. There are so many advantages to going to college right after HS and it's such a fun and exciting experience you wouldn't want to miss out on!
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Ishaan’s Answer

Dive right in and make a splash! Just like many have shared, college or other advanced studies are brimming with opportunities. From studying abroad, lending a helping hand through volunteering, to gaining real-world experience via internships - the possibilities are endless. Plus, I can vouch from my own journey that pursuing higher education becomes a whole lot smoother when you keep going without hitting the pause button.
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Paul’s Answer

I went into college right after high school.

There is something called the "Recency Effect" where basically the information you retained from school crosses over, as long as you continue in school, and maintain it.

Waiting a year or longer could could you to lose the knowledge that you attained in high school.

So, I would recommend going right after high school.
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Jerome’s Answer

Go right in! Many people I know who took a break never went back or it was very challenging. I highly recommend continuing through school until you hit your objectives. You could potentially take a year to study abroad which will give you some travel while you learn.
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