4 answers
Aden
Student
Elk River, Minnesota
6
Questions
Asked
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Does a gap year really help if I don’t need to save for college?
I am a sophomore in high school and still have time to consider what I want to do, but am wondering if a gap year would help if I already don't need to save.
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4 answers
Karin P.
Lecturer
376
Answers
Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Aden,
A gap year can be useful to get a bit of "real-life experience" and figure out who you are and what you like, outside of prescribed school days.
You need to have a plan though or you'll just sit in mom's basement and do nothing. You could do an internship, or several, to get a better idea what kind of career you want to persue. You could work a job and save some money for college. You could do some volunteer work. You could combine that with a bit of travel. Or any other idea that brings you some value for your personal or professional development.
Good luck!
KP
A gap year can be useful to get a bit of "real-life experience" and figure out who you are and what you like, outside of prescribed school days.
You need to have a plan though or you'll just sit in mom's basement and do nothing. You could do an internship, or several, to get a better idea what kind of career you want to persue. You could work a job and save some money for college. You could do some volunteer work. You could combine that with a bit of travel. Or any other idea that brings you some value for your personal or professional development.
Good luck!
KP
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1882
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Aden !
Since you are saying that you don't have a specific need to take a gap year, I would suggest that you do not take one and that you should enroll in college right after high school.
A gap year can be useful for those who need to work to save for college expenses. It also can be an unexpected necessity if something comes up. It also may be useful for people that have no specific plan for what they'd like to major in, but if you do not have any of these situations, it's best to start college right after high school.
I relocated 3,000 miles from home and worked instead of enrolling in school right away. I actually had a gap semester. I started in a Spring semester and through all this, I was very eager to start college with definite plans. So for you, it seems as though you do not feel a need to take the gap year but in the case of something unexpected coming up, know that you can probably enroll for a night course at the college you wish to attend or enroll on line for a course or two so that the unexpected gap year will seem like a semi-gap year.
It's good to get a lot of advice on this so that you will have insight and be able to apply it if or when something may come up.
Best wishes to you !
Since you are saying that you don't have a specific need to take a gap year, I would suggest that you do not take one and that you should enroll in college right after high school.
A gap year can be useful for those who need to work to save for college expenses. It also can be an unexpected necessity if something comes up. It also may be useful for people that have no specific plan for what they'd like to major in, but if you do not have any of these situations, it's best to start college right after high school.
I relocated 3,000 miles from home and worked instead of enrolling in school right away. I actually had a gap semester. I started in a Spring semester and through all this, I was very eager to start college with definite plans. So for you, it seems as though you do not feel a need to take the gap year but in the case of something unexpected coming up, know that you can probably enroll for a night course at the college you wish to attend or enroll on line for a course or two so that the unexpected gap year will seem like a semi-gap year.
It's good to get a lot of advice on this so that you will have insight and be able to apply it if or when something may come up.
Best wishes to you !
Aisha Taylor
Mortgage Closing Specialist
464
Answers
Detroit, Michigan
Updated
Aisha’s Answer
Hello Aden,
From my perspective, I would advise against taking a gap year unless you have a solid plan in place. Without proper planning, you might end up wasting a year that could have been spent advancing your education. However, taking a gap year can be beneficial if you need to earn money to support your college expenses and you already have a job opportunity lined up.
From my perspective, I would advise against taking a gap year unless you have a solid plan in place. Without proper planning, you might end up wasting a year that could have been spent advancing your education. However, taking a gap year can be beneficial if you need to earn money to support your college expenses and you already have a job opportunity lined up.
Karissa Helton
Teacher
202
Answers
Miami, Florida
Updated
Karissa’s Answer
Definitely. You mention you do not need money for college. Maybe you can travel and learn more about the world. Does a certain job excite you? You could do an unpaid internship. As long as you are spending 40 hours a week improving your situation then a gap year is a great idea.
If you plan on hanging out at home and relaxing you may find your parents are not as accepting as they are now and conflict will arise. You are an adult and are expected to take care of yourself. You have a lot to learn. Study how your parents clean, cook, pay bills, handle taxes, etc. Sounds like college is a lot easier and skipping the gap year will be the least resistance.
Do you really not need to save money? Ask parents how much of college will be covered.
If you plan on hanging out at home and relaxing you may find your parents are not as accepting as they are now and conflict will arise. You are an adult and are expected to take care of yourself. You have a lot to learn. Study how your parents clean, cook, pay bills, handle taxes, etc. Sounds like college is a lot easier and skipping the gap year will be the least resistance.
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