Taking a gap year between high school and college has become an increasingly popular choice for students looking to take a break from academics, travel, volunteer, or work before starting their undergraduate studies. But are gap years really worth it? Here we’ll explore the pros and cons of taking a gap year and look at some things to consider if you’re debating whether to take one yourself.
What is a gap year?
A gap year refers to taking a year off between high school and college. During this time, students often travel, volunteer, intern or work. The gap year gives students a chance to take a break from academics, gain real-world experience, and figure out what they want to study before starting college.
Some common gap year activities include:
- Traveling
- Volunteering domestically or abroad
- Interning or working
- Participating in a gap year program
- Learning a new skill or language
The duration of a gap year can vary. Some students take just a few months off, while others take a full year or longer before enrolling in college. Gap years are sometimes called “bridge years” since they bridge the gap between high school and higher education.
The pros of taking a gap year
There are many potential benefits to taking a gap year between high school and college:
Gain life experience
A gap year gives you a chance to step outside of the classroom and gain real-world experience. Through travel, work, or volunteering, you can develop practical life skills, build your resume, and gain perspective on what you want out of life.
Improve maturity and confidence
Taking a gap year requires independence, organization, and motivation. Meeting these demands helps students build maturity and self-confidence before starting college. They enter college with a greater sense of direction and purpose.
Explore interests
Gap years allow time for self-reflection on interests and goals. Students can use the gap year to explore potential careers or areas of study through internships, travel, or classes. Starting college with a clearer sense of direction can help students make the most of their education.
Improve academic performance
Evidence suggests that students who take a gap year perform better academically in college than those who go straight from high school to college. Taking a break from academics seems to improve motivation and focus when students do enter college.
Make college more affordable
A gap year provides extra time to save money for college expenses. Students can work full-time during their gap year to pay for tuition, room and board, books, and other costs. Some schools provide deferred enrollment, allowing students to hold their spot by taking a gap year.
The cons of taking a gap year
Despite the many potential upsides, there are also some drawbacks to consider when deciding whether to take a gap year:
It delays college and career
While a gap year offers time for exploration, every year of delay also postpones starting your career. Lost years of work experience, promotions, and earnings add up over a lifetime. The tradeoffs between personal growth and career development should be carefully weighed.
It can disrupt academic momentum
Taking an extended break from school can result in knowledge loss and a difficult transition back into academics. Some students may struggle to get back into studious habits after time off. Refresher courses or academic coaching may be needed.
Financial uncertainties
Funding a gap year introduces financial uncertainties. Earnings from work may be unpredictable, and scholarships may not cover a deferred year. Even with solid planning, budget shortfalls can happen. Students should have backup savings in case costs run over.
Less structure and supervision
A gap year requires far more self-direction than high school or college. Students lack set schedules, rules, and supervision during their gap year. Not all students thrive with so much independence, especially those unable to set and achieve their own goals.
Competitive enrollment after a gap year
While some colleges allow deferred enrollment, others require re-applying after a gap year. With another cycle of applicants, admission on return is far from guaranteed. Competitive schools may be especially difficult to get into after taking time off.
Should you take a gap year?
Deciding whether to take a gap year depends on your individual interests, needs, and college plans. Consider the pros and cons and how they apply to your situation. Here are some key reflective questions to ask yourself:
- Why do I want to take a gap year? Is it to explore interests, make money, or just take a break from school? Knowing your motivations can help guide your gap year plans.
- What are my financial constraints? Do I have adequate savings and income to fund my gap year? Will I need loans or financial aid?
- How flexible is my college enrollment? Will my school allow deferred admission or will I need to reapply?
- What structured gap year programs appeal to me? Do any offer scholarships or financial aid?
- What specific gap year plans align with my personal goals?
- How much independence and self-direction do I have? Can I set and accomplish goals on my own?
- Will time off diminish my motivation for college? How will I reestablish studious habits?
Answering these questions will provide greater clarity on whether taking a gap year is the right choice for you as an individual. Each person’s situation is unique, so personal reflection is key in deciding.
Making the most of a gap year
If you do decide to take a gap year, careful planning is essential to making it a worthwhile experience. Here are some tips:
- Set clear goals and objectives, such as skills to learn, places to visit, or financial targets.
- Make a detailed plan and timeline of gap year activities month-to-month.
- Research gap year programs or employers relevant to your goals.
- Create a gap year budget accounting for all expenses, including travel and unforeseen costs.
- Apply for scholarships, grants, or temporary jobs to help fund your gap year.
- Discuss deferring college enrollment and re-admission policies with your chosen schools.
- Continue learning and self-improvement throughout your gap year.
- Keep an open mind and be flexible – unexpected opportunities may arise.
With proper planning, a gap year can be an incredible experience full of learning, adventure and personal growth.
The benefits of a well-planned gap year
Studies have shown that a constructive, goal-oriented gap year provides many more benefits than simply taking time off without a plan. Here are some of the data-backed upsides of a well-designed gap year:
| Benefit | Statistics |
|---|---|
| Higher GPA in college | Gap year students had GPAs .15 to .45 points higher during their first college term compared to non-gap year students. (Source: Middlebury College) |
| Improved motivation | 90% of gap year students said they had better motivation and focus when transitioning back into academics. (Source: Haigler and Nelson Study) |
| Greater life skills | 95% of students felt their gap year helped them develop life skills like independence, confidence, and awareness of others. (Source: American Gap Year Association) |
| Higher graduation rates | U.S. college graduation rates were 10-20% higher for gap year students versus non-gap year students. (Source: Haigler and Nelson Study) |
This data makes a compelling case that gap years can provide a significant advantage, as long as you spend your time productively and strategically.
Popular gap year ideas
There are countless interesting ways to spend your gap year. Here are some of the most popular ideas to spark inspiration:
Travel
Backpacking through Europe, hiking the Appalachian Trail, volunteering in Cambodia – travel is a classic gap year activity that exposes you to new cultures and perspectives.
Gap year programs
Structured gap year programs offer opportunities like academic courses, internships, service projects, outdoor education, and group travel. Many provide mentorship and career guidance.
Work or intern abroad
Teaching English in Korea, working at a winery in Australia, interning at a tech firm in Singapore – working abroad allows you to live in a foreign country while earning income.
Volunteerprograms
You can volunteer in your local community or participate in an intensive service program domestically or overseas. Volunteer work is rewarding and develops leadership skills.
Outdoor adventures
Spend your gap year hiking, backpacking, camping, sailing, or pursuing other outdoor activities. Outdoor gap years promote resilience, problem-solving and environmental appreciation.
Academic gap years
Some university gap year programs offer free courses and even credits. You can also independently study topics that interest you, from coding to photography.
Launch a business
A gap year provides the time to start a business while taking lower financial risks. Test your entrepreneurial spirit by launching an online business, craft company, freelance service or other venture.
The possibilities are truly endless – be creative and pursue whatever inspires you most!
Key takeaways on gap years
In summary, here are some of the key points to remember when considering a gap year:
- Gap years allow time for exploration and personal growth between academics.
- The pros include gaining real-world experience, improving maturity, and making college more affordable.
- Cons include delaying your career and college, loss of academic momentum, and financial uncertainty.
- Reflect deeply and set clear gap year goals aligned with your motivations and constraints.
- Proper planning is crucial – create a timeline and budget, set goals, research programs.
- Productive gap years provide benefits like higher college GPAs, graduation rates, motivation, and life skills.
- Travel, gap year programs, service, outdoor adventures, academics, and entrepreneurship are rewarding ways to spend your gap year.
While not for everyone, a well-planned gap year can be a transforming experience that pays dividends throughout college and life thereafter. Take time to thoughtfully weigh the tradeoffs and opportunities to determine if taking time off is the right choice for you.