12 answers
Diamond
Student
1
Question
Asked
1779 views
What's the smartest thing to do during a gap year to help with college in the coming future?
What's the smartest thing to do during a gap year to help with college ?
12 answers
Mahi Patel
Student Advisor and Dental
99
Answers
Davie, Florida
Updated
Mahi’s Answer
Travel, work, complete an internship.
good answer
Tirth
Jessica Han
Consulting
6
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Jessica’s Answer
Do something that is meaningful and intentional to you, e.g., travel, volunteer, get an internship, study, etc. Think about what you hope to get out of your experience and how you feel it can help you develop as a person. I think a gap year is a wonderful opportunity to take the time to step back and take some time to understand who you are and who you want to be.
Enjoy it!! Gap years can be a truly enlightening experience!
Enjoy it!! Gap years can be a truly enlightening experience!
Taylor Walshe
Analyst
2
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Taylor’s Answer
Hi Diamond.
I didn't take a gap year, but I'm jealous of those who did. The people I met in college who had taken a gap year seemed more confident, knowledgeable, and generally more interesting. Overall, I think it's a great idea, but there's no one smartest thing to do because I've seen successful gap years come in all shapes and sizes.
Instead of thinking about what is the best thing to do, I may offer some advice on how to think about what's best for you.
1. What is something that you want to do that cannot be done in college? College students have lots of freedom but most still need to attend class, study, etc. Take advantage of not having any restraints and seek out experiences that you won't be able to enjoy once you start school.
2. What career questions would be helpful to answer? If there is a specific industry, location, job type that you think you might be interested in pursing after college, then it might be helpful to try that out during your gap year before heading down that path. Think of it like a taste test before dedicating your studies to something specific.
3. Who do you enjoy spending time with? There are many great things to do but your experience will ultimately be shaped by the people around you. Push yourself to make new connections or strengthen existing friendships.
I didn't take a gap year, but I'm jealous of those who did. The people I met in college who had taken a gap year seemed more confident, knowledgeable, and generally more interesting. Overall, I think it's a great idea, but there's no one smartest thing to do because I've seen successful gap years come in all shapes and sizes.
Instead of thinking about what is the best thing to do, I may offer some advice on how to think about what's best for you.
1. What is something that you want to do that cannot be done in college? College students have lots of freedom but most still need to attend class, study, etc. Take advantage of not having any restraints and seek out experiences that you won't be able to enjoy once you start school.
2. What career questions would be helpful to answer? If there is a specific industry, location, job type that you think you might be interested in pursing after college, then it might be helpful to try that out during your gap year before heading down that path. Think of it like a taste test before dedicating your studies to something specific.
3. Who do you enjoy spending time with? There are many great things to do but your experience will ultimately be shaped by the people around you. Push yourself to make new connections or strengthen existing friendships.
Nouran AbuShahba
Consultant
1
Answer
New York, New York
Updated
Nouran’s Answer
Hi Diamond!
I think the smartest is to decide what will make you happy and just do it!
I had a gap time between school and work where I spent time volunteering with NGOs and traveling around supporting initiatives that are close to my heart. Also, on the side I started to learn new hobbies and took a new language class
All of which helped shaped who am I now. So just spend time thinking what will make you happy during that gap time. Maybe try to live in a city, or take a new class in an area you always wanted to learn or just volunteer doing something new in a new country
The sky is the limit just think what you want to do and there is no right answer!
I think the smartest is to decide what will make you happy and just do it!
I had a gap time between school and work where I spent time volunteering with NGOs and traveling around supporting initiatives that are close to my heart. Also, on the side I started to learn new hobbies and took a new language class
All of which helped shaped who am I now. So just spend time thinking what will make you happy during that gap time. Maybe try to live in a city, or take a new class in an area you always wanted to learn or just volunteer doing something new in a new country
The sky is the limit just think what you want to do and there is no right answer!
Nouran, thank you!
Tirth
Sasha Zuberi
Consulting
3
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Sasha’s Answer
Hi!
I think that a gap year is a really healthy period of your life when the opportunities for who you want to be and where you want to end up are endless. Firstly, I think its important to spend time with yourself and learn what it is that truly inspires you. If you have anything you are passionate about, lean into it. Own a passion project. This can vary from writing your own poetry book, to starting your own NGO, filming a documentary about something that matters to you or anything like that. The idea is to pick a topic/theme/area of interest, and put your heart into creating something fruitful out of it. Not only is this going to help you learn more about yourself as a person, but in the lead up to college applications - its going to look great on your app, as it shows the admissions committee that not only is this person passionate about xyz topic, but they have gone above and beyond to show it in a meaningful, tangible way. It shows you are inspired, motivated, and have the leadership to think out and execute something you truly care about.
Try out online courses! I love Coursera and Edx because there is a wide range of subject areas to choose from. Its a great way to get an insight into what college courses could be like, and could help you think about which majors you'd be excited to pursue. It looks great on your application as well as highlights taking on higher level academic rigor!
Overarchingly, make sure the efforts are going into a similar direction. For example, if you're interested in education, your extra curriculars should reflect that. Or, if you're interested in human rights, then you could have volunteer work, an NGO, and a social media blog dedicated to it. This is to show that you're interested in one field and are aiming towards it form multiple points.
Lastly, spend this time travelling, spending time with friends and family and doing what you love because you don't get this time back later on in life! Enjoy yourself and good luck!
I think that a gap year is a really healthy period of your life when the opportunities for who you want to be and where you want to end up are endless. Firstly, I think its important to spend time with yourself and learn what it is that truly inspires you. If you have anything you are passionate about, lean into it. Own a passion project. This can vary from writing your own poetry book, to starting your own NGO, filming a documentary about something that matters to you or anything like that. The idea is to pick a topic/theme/area of interest, and put your heart into creating something fruitful out of it. Not only is this going to help you learn more about yourself as a person, but in the lead up to college applications - its going to look great on your app, as it shows the admissions committee that not only is this person passionate about xyz topic, but they have gone above and beyond to show it in a meaningful, tangible way. It shows you are inspired, motivated, and have the leadership to think out and execute something you truly care about.
Try out online courses! I love Coursera and Edx because there is a wide range of subject areas to choose from. Its a great way to get an insight into what college courses could be like, and could help you think about which majors you'd be excited to pursue. It looks great on your application as well as highlights taking on higher level academic rigor!
Overarchingly, make sure the efforts are going into a similar direction. For example, if you're interested in education, your extra curriculars should reflect that. Or, if you're interested in human rights, then you could have volunteer work, an NGO, and a social media blog dedicated to it. This is to show that you're interested in one field and are aiming towards it form multiple points.
Lastly, spend this time travelling, spending time with friends and family and doing what you love because you don't get this time back later on in life! Enjoy yourself and good luck!
Carlos Santiago Villeda
Consulting
5
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Carlos Santiago’s Answer
Discover the sweet spot where your passion meets your skills. This is a powerful tool for shaping your career path and steering your future ambitions. Remember, when you do what you love and are good at, success is more likely to follow. So, keep exploring and let your passion guide you towards your future.
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1913
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Diamond !
The smartest thing would be what you decide would be best for you !
I had a gap year between sophomore and junior year because I semi-planned to relocate, but didn't. In that gap year, I worked full time, took a night class in one of my minor subjects and went to a private acting school for one acting class (I was a Theatre major). In the Fall I enrolled full time again.
You have a lot of choices. Think about what it is that you really want to do. I'm sure whatever you choose to do will be of great benefit to you !
The smartest thing would be what you decide would be best for you !
I had a gap year between sophomore and junior year because I semi-planned to relocate, but didn't. In that gap year, I worked full time, took a night class in one of my minor subjects and went to a private acting school for one acting class (I was a Theatre major). In the Fall I enrolled full time again.
You have a lot of choices. Think about what it is that you really want to do. I'm sure whatever you choose to do will be of great benefit to you !
Ashim Vaish
Consulting
1
Answer
New York, New York
Updated
Ashim’s Answer
Hi Diamond,
This is a great question! I wondered the same thing when I was deciding to take a gap year before starting college. I came to the realization that there's no one "right" answer. Exploring your interests and passions through a variety of experiences, whether it be part-time work or travel or taking a course, will be sure to serve you well as you transition to college. I had a number of peers do very different things during their gap years and everyone seemed to benefit.
My one piece of guidance here would be to try creating structure for yourself during the gap year. This may take the form of family or friends keeping you accountable as you take an online course or working in an organization as an intern. I found this helpful to make sure that I followed through on my goals and was able to get the most out of my year.
Good luck!
This is a great question! I wondered the same thing when I was deciding to take a gap year before starting college. I came to the realization that there's no one "right" answer. Exploring your interests and passions through a variety of experiences, whether it be part-time work or travel or taking a course, will be sure to serve you well as you transition to college. I had a number of peers do very different things during their gap years and everyone seemed to benefit.
My one piece of guidance here would be to try creating structure for yourself during the gap year. This may take the form of family or friends keeping you accountable as you take an online course or working in an organization as an intern. I found this helpful to make sure that I followed through on my goals and was able to get the most out of my year.
Good luck!
Karin P.
Lecturer
375
Answers
Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Diamond,
What to do in a gap year depends very much on your goals and also what you are going to study.
If you want to make some money so you can save for college, you need a job that requires minimal training and pays well. Flight attendants e.g. only require a few weeks of training and make a decent salary. As an additional benefit, you'll get around a bit and get free flights.
If you are not entirely sure what you want to study, get some experience in the fields you are considering, do some internships or job shadowing in different fields.
If you know what you want to study, do something that will be beneficial experience on your CV.
If you want to be a doctor or a nurse, you need to get in some practical medical experience. It will help your application to med school. If you want to be a vet, look for work with animals.
If you are going to be a fashion designer, training with a tailor would be beneficial. If you are going to be a mechanical engineer, working in a metal shop would be beneficial. If you are going to be an architect, working in construction would be beneficial.
If you plan to live or study in a different country or if you plan to study something that involves languages, you could spend some time in that country and immerse yourself in a different language and culture. If you plan to work in a part of the country where Spanish is a common language and you'll be working with clients, becoming proficient in Spanish could be beneficial (I am assuming English is your first language). Some job offers are specifically for dual language candidates.
Something like the Australian work-and-travel program might work if you want to get out of your normal environment.
Good luck!
KP
What to do in a gap year depends very much on your goals and also what you are going to study.
If you want to make some money so you can save for college, you need a job that requires minimal training and pays well. Flight attendants e.g. only require a few weeks of training and make a decent salary. As an additional benefit, you'll get around a bit and get free flights.
If you are not entirely sure what you want to study, get some experience in the fields you are considering, do some internships or job shadowing in different fields.
If you know what you want to study, do something that will be beneficial experience on your CV.
If you want to be a doctor or a nurse, you need to get in some practical medical experience. It will help your application to med school. If you want to be a vet, look for work with animals.
If you are going to be a fashion designer, training with a tailor would be beneficial. If you are going to be a mechanical engineer, working in a metal shop would be beneficial. If you are going to be an architect, working in construction would be beneficial.
If you plan to live or study in a different country or if you plan to study something that involves languages, you could spend some time in that country and immerse yourself in a different language and culture. If you plan to work in a part of the country where Spanish is a common language and you'll be working with clients, becoming proficient in Spanish could be beneficial (I am assuming English is your first language). Some job offers are specifically for dual language candidates.
Something like the Australian work-and-travel program might work if you want to get out of your normal environment.
Good luck!
KP
Rian Alam
Student
139
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Rian’s Answer
Hi Diamond,
One thing I'd recommend to do during a gap year is to volunteer! By volunteering you can often experience see and experience different fields, and that can give you a better idea of what you want to do in your future!
One thing I'd recommend to do during a gap year is to volunteer! By volunteering you can often experience see and experience different fields, and that can give you a better idea of what you want to do in your future!
Christopher Hemm
Management Consultant
3
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Christopher’s Answer
Taking a gap year is a fantastic chance to expand your world view and gather some priceless life lessons.
As you gear up for college, it's essential to engage in activities that make you stand out from the crowd of other college hopefuls, particularly in areas such as leadership and academics. For instance, you could delve into research or enroll in classes that align with your interests, such as exploring biology, mastering a new language, or honing your acting skills. On the leadership front, consider chasing a dream project, like launching a startup, or contributing to an organization that sparks your enthusiasm.
As you gear up for college, it's essential to engage in activities that make you stand out from the crowd of other college hopefuls, particularly in areas such as leadership and academics. For instance, you could delve into research or enroll in classes that align with your interests, such as exploring biology, mastering a new language, or honing your acting skills. On the leadership front, consider chasing a dream project, like launching a startup, or contributing to an organization that sparks your enthusiasm.
Sumeet Gupta
3
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Sumeet’s Answer
Hello Diamond!
If you are ready with your bucket list then will highly recommend to follow through that(or else prepare one). Along side, pick up a few activities/trainings/learnings as per your interest areas and/or possibly align with your college education of choice.
If you are ready with your bucket list then will highly recommend to follow through that(or else prepare one). Along side, pick up a few activities/trainings/learnings as per your interest areas and/or possibly align with your college education of choice.
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