It is quite common for some of high school graduates to take a gap year before starting a college. Is it something you should or should not do?
There is no ultimate rule that tells you to get into college right after graduating from high school. However, you need to know that every decision have consequences that may impact your life. It is possible that your taking a gap year before starting college affects your future plans.
A gap year is a year-long planned break where you can explore your personal and professional development through various activities. Most people taking a gap year before college. However it is also applied during college in which student take a gap year before finishing their college. Students choose different things to fill their gap year such as volunteering, taking part-time jobs, taking a trip, etc. Gap year typically lasts a year but it is possible for students to extend it to two or three years.
Benefits of gap year
Taking a break before college may benefit you especially when you feel like you have over-exhausted yourself with years of coursework and exams. You may really need that break to fully rebuild your strength and plan your future.
Another potential benefit of taking a gap year is you have time to improve your performance in education. Also, you have more opportunity to consider your interests and what field of study you really want to pursue. It is pretty common for college students to regret the major they chose to take after they are paying for college. A gap year allows more time for you to fully understand yourself and what you want for your future. Therefore, you become a more informed and strategic in making decision.
Other benefits from taking a gap year include the opportunity to earn money you can use to pay for college. You learn how to manage the money you receive from your salary. Aside from putting your money into savings account, you may also consider investing it in asset such as stocks or cryptocurrencies. By investing in Bitcoins, and other assets, you have a back-up fund to help you cover for various expenses.
Downsides of taking a gap year
There are also downsides of taking a gap year experienced by many students such as losing momentum because you have to re-familiarizing yourself all over again with everything related to study. Another downside is finishing college late which may put a hold on your pursuit of career. Also, a gap year can be costly. Taking a gap year needs thorough planning so you know how to make the most of the gap.
Read Too: How Costly College Fees Can Be With Other College Fees You May Have to Pay
To take or not to take a gap year before college
To make the right decision for yourself, consider getting advice or input from the people who have taken a gap year themselves. Plan ahead and start budgeting everything to make you more prepared financially. Then, spend your time growing your networks during the gap to help you with your future career.