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Would it be weird if I took two gap years?
I have been asking many questions lately about whether I should take my gap year after High School like many people do or after getting my bachelor's before my PhD in Psychology to be a Psychology professor. With all of the different advice I'm getting I have been wondering if I should just do both. Thoughts?
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Bonnie’s Answer
Hey Ava, everyone's views on this topic will vary, but from my perspective, it's crucial to kick-start your Bachelor's degree right after high school. If you're eyeing a PhD, remember that you'll need to complete not just your Bachelor's, but also your Master's. If you're considering a gap year, my advice would be to take it after you've bagged your Bachelor's degree. Use this time to secure a job related to your field of study and gain some hands-on experience. After a year or two, you can then apply for your Master's. It might be part-time due to the workload, but that's okay. You can then opt for another gap year between your Master's and PhD. Wishing you all the best on your journey!
thanks for the advice!
Ava
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Annah’s Answer
Ava, what a superb idea! I think everyone should consider a gap year (at some point). It is such a good opportunity to travel abroad or get involved in volunteer or humanitarian work! I think the best aspect of a year after high school is time to get to know yourself, time to grow up a bit, and time to take some (healthy) risks. This is very common in European countries and not so much in the US. If you are someone who is okay taking an alternate path in life, value your independence, and want to stretch your wings- why not? Work for a national park, set up a mentorship, take a train across Canada- whatever floats your boat. Entering college having a solid sense about who you are and what you stand for in life will set you up well for the rest of your life. Having a plan in place for your gap year will be useful so that it feels purposeful. As for taking a year after your BA, there is no right or wrong choice. I think work experience in the field of counseling and psychology to be important; it may point you in a direction of study. Psychology is a vast science. You can get your MA and then doctorate. You can go straight for the doctorate- a condensed version of MA + PhD (or PsyD). As a graduate student you will gaining hundreds of hours working with clients and in supervision (as a student and post-graduate). If you already have a strong sense about what you want to do as a psychologist, it may make sense to get through the academic piece in one go. If you are unsure, having some time to work in the field will allow you to narrow down your interest(s). Do some research about potential schools, read about their programs, sit-in on classes if you can. As you get older and more settled in a profession, it may be more challenging to dedicate time for yourself. Whatever you decide, I wish you well on the journey ahead!
Thank you!
Ava
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Peter’s Answer
It depends on what you do with that time...research schools for the best fit for your interests/career goals. Take campus tours, speak with admissions (in person or remotely depending on location). Create a LinkedIn and look up alumni from the schools and see their career paths. Do online workshops/micro-certifications that relate to your potential field(s). Get the information you would need for admissions packets ready, along with deadlines, so you can plan to submit within the period to make that move within the admissions consideration period.
Taking a gap year or two is ok, but don't be idle and put further study completely out of mind. The steps I mention won't be over intrusive to whatever you were looking to do, and you'll be prepared to make the move when you are ready.
Taking a gap year or two is ok, but don't be idle and put further study completely out of mind. The steps I mention won't be over intrusive to whatever you were looking to do, and you'll be prepared to make the move when you are ready.
thanks for the advice!
Ava
Updated
Jonathan’s Answer
That's an interesting idea! Both gap years have their advantages. A gap year after high school can give you time to travel, explore different interests, or even work and save money for college. A gap year after your bachelor's could allow you to gain research experience in psychology labs, which would be very valuable for applying to PhD programs. Have you thought about what you might want to get out of each gap year?
After high school, I would like to experience different interests, places, and cultures to really grow as a person. After my bachelor's, I would like to gain research experience and take a break from heavy coursework to focus on myself and my mental health before diving back in. Some context: once I complete my PhD program I want to teach general Psychology at a collegiate level.
Ava
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hello Ava,
Taking two gap years is not inherently weird or unusual. Many students choose to take multiple gap years for various reasons, such as gaining work experience, traveling, or pursuing personal interests. Ultimately, the decision to take one or two gap years should be based on your individual goals and circumstances.
If you feel that taking a gap year after high school would benefit you in terms of personal growth, exploring new opportunities, or clarifying your academic/career path, then it can be a valuable experience. Similarly, if you believe that taking another gap year before starting your PhD program would provide you with additional preparation, research opportunities, or time for self-reflection prior to committing to an advanced degree program, it can also be a valid choice.
It's important to carefully weigh the potential benefits and drawbacks of each option and choose what feels right for you. Remember that there is no "right" or "wrong" timeline when it comes to pursuing education; what matters most is finding a path that aligns with your interests and goals.
Best wishes.
Taking two gap years is not inherently weird or unusual. Many students choose to take multiple gap years for various reasons, such as gaining work experience, traveling, or pursuing personal interests. Ultimately, the decision to take one or two gap years should be based on your individual goals and circumstances.
If you feel that taking a gap year after high school would benefit you in terms of personal growth, exploring new opportunities, or clarifying your academic/career path, then it can be a valuable experience. Similarly, if you believe that taking another gap year before starting your PhD program would provide you with additional preparation, research opportunities, or time for self-reflection prior to committing to an advanced degree program, it can also be a valid choice.
It's important to carefully weigh the potential benefits and drawbacks of each option and choose what feels right for you. Remember that there is no "right" or "wrong" timeline when it comes to pursuing education; what matters most is finding a path that aligns with your interests and goals.
Best wishes.