Should You Have a Gap Year?

After high school, many students head straight to college. However, many want to use this time to travel, take some time off of school, and really learn more about themselves before heading off to college. Many simply try to figure out what they want to do in the future, by working different jobs. This allows them to try a few things out before they decide what their future holds. 

This is often called a gap year, since most students take one year off before heading off to college. 

So, what are the benefits of having a gap year?

Many students are exhausted from spending twelve or more years in the classroom, and a gap year gives them a chance to recharge their batteries. They need some time outside of the classroom to relax, enjoy life, and figure out what they want to do for the rest of their lives.

In fact, many people use this time to experience all that life has to offer. Many travel around the United States to see what else life has to offer. Some go overseas to check out some places that they have only read about in books.

Some use this time to volunteer. Many jobs won't hire people without experience but will let them volunteer and get their feet wet with some new experiences.

Others prefer to work. They may want to try several different jobs, to help them figure out what they want to do in the future. Many don't like to go to college with no idea about what they want to do with their lives.

They can also use this money to help save up for college. College can be very expensive, and many would prefer to work for a year or so to have some money saved up before stepping back into the classroom. This may allow them to focus on school instead of working and going to school full-time.

Working and volunteering can be good for your resume. Many use this time to get some new skills and experiences, which can be helpful to put on your resume. You might get accepted to a school due to the experiences and skills that you worked on during your gap year.

Even better, many schools allow you to defer for a year. This allows you to take your break, already knowing that you have a spot for the next semester in school. Harvard, New York University, and even the Massachusetts Institute of Technology hold spots for those who are interested in taking a gap year.

What are the cons? Why should you continue right to college?

Many students never go back to college. They love the freedom of being out of school, and lose their focus on their studies.

Others try to go back to college and find it too hard, so they drop out. Too many people return to college, struggle, and just quit altogether. They got out of the routine of going to school and doing homework, and it can be really hard to get back to it.

When they do go back to school, it can be hard to see friends that are ahead of them. Most people who went right to school will be sophomores (or even juniors) when those who took a gap year go back to school. It can be hard to see them doing so well, and being ahead.

It can even be harder to see them graduate and start their careers while they still have a year or so to go.

Most people don't have the money to travel. Though many want to use their gap year to experience life and travel, that can cost a lot of money. When finding money to pay for college is hard enough, it is going to cost a few thousand dollars to take off and travel around the United States and world.

Taking a gap year can be a great way to relax and enjoy life. Many travel the world or try new experiences before they settle back into school. However, others waste it by spending that time on the couch!

It is also a great way to work and save money to help you pay for college. If you don't know what you want to do, you may be able to try some different jobs to see what you really want to do in the future.

You must remember that the end goal is to get back into school. Many struggle with getting back into the routine and drop out, while others never go back! It can also be hard to see friends graduate before you, because they didn't take time off.

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Previously published on Medium and/or Newsbreak.