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When should I take my gap year?
Hello there! I am a high school junior in August 2024 and want to take a gap year, but I intend to get a Psychology PhD. So should I take my gap year right out of high school or between my undergrad and PhD program? I just don't want it to be harder to get into a college because I didn't apply out of high school where I have a lot of support versus on my own after a gap year.
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Tammy’s Answer
A gap year is a great option for many students and provides you with experiences and maturity that some peers don’t gain when going straight through from high school to bachelors to graduate degrees. If you are ready to move right into college and already have your path in mind, perhaps waiting and taking your gap year right after your bachelors degree before starting your graduate work is a good idea. This will give you time to recharge before the upper level work, stress and the required dedication needed to finish a PhD. I work in a masters level graduate program and the students who take a year off between undergrad and graduate school always seem to ease into the high demands of our program better than those who come right out of undergrad and move directly into graduate work. Those students are also more mature and have real life experience to bring into our class discussions which enriches everyone’s experience.
One important thing to note about a “gap year” is to have a plan. This year should be about something- not just hanging out and working at any random part time job. Travel, do an internship, work in a job that is specifically related to your future career path, take a service/mission trip and work in another country (there are many structured programs to explore), etc. There is no wrong answer but make this year off worthwhile and valuable. It Will not only help you in your future career but gap years can be very beneficial overall for your well-being and prepare you for your future studies in different ways.
As Martha stated, regardless of when you take your gap year, apply to colleges right away and then defer for a year so that after your gap year, you already have a set plan to return to so you don’t miss application deadlines or get distracted from your long term goals.
One important thing to note about a “gap year” is to have a plan. This year should be about something- not just hanging out and working at any random part time job. Travel, do an internship, work in a job that is specifically related to your future career path, take a service/mission trip and work in another country (there are many structured programs to explore), etc. There is no wrong answer but make this year off worthwhile and valuable. It Will not only help you in your future career but gap years can be very beneficial overall for your well-being and prepare you for your future studies in different ways.
As Martha stated, regardless of when you take your gap year, apply to colleges right away and then defer for a year so that after your gap year, you already have a set plan to return to so you don’t miss application deadlines or get distracted from your long term goals.
I appreciate this, thank you for the advice.
Ava
Updated
Martha’s Answer
This is an excellent question, Ava.
This decision depends on how burnt out you are after high school and what you could do with the gap year. If you are really burnt out, take the gap year after high school. But I would suggest applying to colleges and then deferring once you are accepted. That would reduce stress during the gap year. Some schools also offer structured gap years (see Princeton University program below) so you could start to make friends during the gap year. I have added a link about other programs.
My children took gap years after they graduated from college and were happy with their decisions. They liked going through college at the same rate as their friends did. After college, people took different paths - some to work, some straight to grad school, and some a gap year as they did. I understand Karissa's point, but many PhD programs include a Masters Degree, anyway. Also - depending upon what you do during the gap year - your additional professional and life experience could make you a more attractive candidate.
Good luck!
Princeton gap year - https://oip.princeton.edu/our-programs/novogratz-bridge-year
Gap year - https://www.goabroad.com/articles/gap-year/colleges-that-offer-gap-year-programs
This decision depends on how burnt out you are after high school and what you could do with the gap year. If you are really burnt out, take the gap year after high school. But I would suggest applying to colleges and then deferring once you are accepted. That would reduce stress during the gap year. Some schools also offer structured gap years (see Princeton University program below) so you could start to make friends during the gap year. I have added a link about other programs.
My children took gap years after they graduated from college and were happy with their decisions. They liked going through college at the same rate as their friends did. After college, people took different paths - some to work, some straight to grad school, and some a gap year as they did. I understand Karissa's point, but many PhD programs include a Masters Degree, anyway. Also - depending upon what you do during the gap year - your additional professional and life experience could make you a more attractive candidate.
Good luck!
Martha recommends the following next steps:
Thank you so much, Martha!
Ava
You're welcome - I appreciate your note.
Martha Kramer
Updated
Karissa’s Answer
Take it after high school . If you apply to a PHd program and you are not working toward your new career (because you are not in school or working in the field) you will be competing with people who are. Psychology is a competitive field and you may have to get a Masters Degree (MA) first if you take time off after your bachelors degree.
Thank you for sharing your perspective.
Ava