As seniors begin receiving the final round of college acceptances, there is a second option that is often not remembered: taking a gap year.
A gap year is usually between senior year and college.
During this time, people can take advantage of many opportunities such as traveling or doing an internship.
In the past, taking a gap year has been frown upon. But lately, more and more people have begun taking gap years.
Below is a list of reasons why taking a gap year could be a good idea.
1 It is easy to work out
By now, most people have already picked a college to attend. Still, it will not be hard to switch to taking a gap year. Most universities will have potential students fills out forms that they use to determine whether the deferral will be allowed or not.
2 Experience new things
A gap year can also be used to travel the world. While traveling, one can learn more about different cultures and customs. This will help broaden your horizons and you will see the world in a different way. During this time, you can also figure out who you want to be and what you want to do with your life.
3 Get some money
If you’re running low on money to use for college, it might be a good idea for you to take a gap year to go to work. The money you earn during this time will take away the stress that could come with having to take out a loan to fund your education. If you save your money and budget, you will even have money to use for other things. A job could also get you experience that will be useful once you return to school.
4 Get some experience
Taking up an internship is another good idea. Internships will give you experience that will help a lot in school. It will also give you an advantage that your peers who went straight to college won’t have.
5 Help your self esteem
Sometimes, people use a gap year to do volunteer work. Most people who do this report that they feel a lot better about themselves as people afterwards. It would be very rewarding to know that you took time out of your life to help others. It will also give you experience to use later on in life.
6 Take a break
After you graduate high school, you have completed 14 years of school. That is a lot of time and hard work. It might be exhausting to have to continue that for another 4+ years. A gap year would be the perfect way to cut up what might seem like a never ending cycle. You can use the year to relax and chill out before returning to school next year.
7 Prepare yourself
For most people, college is the first time that you are independent from your parents. This is a lot of responsibility to get at once, and it can be stressful. You can use a gap year to mature a bit and get used to your new autonomy.