Are you considering taking a gap year before starting college? If so, you’re not alone–lots of students take gap years each year. If you’re interested as to what a gap year could do for you, read on to learn all you need to know. We’ll explain the forms a gap year can take, and all its benefits and drawbacks.
Also read: Free summer programs for high school students
What is a gap year?
Despite its name, a gap year is a length of time that can be anywhere between one semester and one year. It refers to the opportunity for students to take time off school between high school and college. There are a host of ways in which a student can spend this time. It may take the form of working a job, learning a language, traveling, or working on an independent project. Some gap years may take place through structured gap year programs. Others may be self-directed. Students can design their gap year to be as structured or unstructured as they’d like.
What can you spend your gap year doing?
Students can work with their parents to decide to do just about anything during their gap year. When it comes down to it, the time is really yours to seize. But we’ve assembled a list of popular activities for students taking a gap year to inspire you. Remember, this is not an all-encompassing list, but it should help you get the ideas flowing!
- Traveling around the world
- Learning a new language in a foreign country
- Volunteering for a program such as AmeriCorps
- Finding a job or internship
- Enrolling in a structured gap year program
- Taking care of a family member who is in need of help
- Working to save up money for college
- Farming through a WWOOF program
How can a gap year benefit me?
A gap year can be highly beneficial for students for a variety of reasons. Below we’ve listed out a few, more than one may even apply to you!
- If you are feeling high school burnout, a gap year might be the perfect opportunity to refresh yourself before college
- If you are a self-directed learner or looking to try alternative academic approaches, it could be just the ticket to experiencing new learning environments
- If your family needs your help for the year, or if you need to save up more money, consider a gap year
- If you are feeling as though you need time off for your mental health, a gap year can fill that need as well
- A gap year can also benefit students who are craving experiential learning, by going out into the world, you’ll be learning things that cannot be taught in class
What are the drawbacks to a gap year?
Although gap years can be a great fit for many students, it’s important to also consider their potential drawbacks. The freedom of a gap year comes with a lot of possibility, but also a lot of responsibility. Let’s get into some of the potential drawbacks of a gap year, and what you can do to mitigate them.
Falling out of step with your classmates
If you were hoping to attend college with your high school friends, this may throw you off. For the duration of your gap year, you’ll be doing something different than your friends. You may feel insecure, or that you’re missing out.
If you are the type of person who needs to be submerged in community, you should seriously consider this drawback. However, don’t forget that it may come with its own benefits. You may meet new friends during your gap year. And if you attend a school that your friends are attending after your gap year, you’ll be in a unique position. Your friends will already have a year under their belt, and they’ll be able to show you the ropes.
The potential to waste time
If you decide to self-structure your gap year, you will be in a unique position. You’ll have the potential to have an extremely fulfilling year of self-directed learning. This could be working on one project, studying a language, or any other directive. However, if you have problems with self-directed learning, this may lead to wasted time.
Before deciding to take a self-directed gap year, you should reflect on your ability to self-teach. Have you had success in the past in teaching yourself? If not, you may want to consider a gap year with more structure.
Price
Depending on how you spend your gap year, it could be a financial drain to you or your parents. College is already a huge expense, and enrolling in an expensive gap year program may seem financially overwhelming. If this is the case for you, remember that there are inexpensive gap year options. In most cases, you can WWOOF for free. You can also get a job to support your endeavors. Just remember, expensive gap year programs are not your only option.
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Study abroad & gap year scholarshipsFalling out of your academic rhythm
Taking a year off school can be a great idea to help refresh your mind. However, some students may find it difficult to get back into the flow after taking such a long time off. Remember, the transition to college is always a bit jarring. Taking a year off has the potential to make it easier and open your mind to new experiences. But it also may also make the return to traditional academics difficult.
Key Takeaways
Frequently asked questions about gap years
Can a gap year impact financial aid?
Need based aid from your college will change based on your financial situation. You’ll have to resubmit your FAFSA and/or CSS Profile for the year you plan to attend college. If your financial situation becomes better or worse in that year, it will impact your aid. Remember, if you spend your gap year working, you’ll have to report that income.
Money from private scholarships varies on a case-by-case basis. Some scholarships will be flexible and allow you to use the money for the year that you start school. But others may not be. Some private scholarships need to use annual disbursements for tax purposes. In this case, they will most likely choose a new winner. Make sure to check with any private scholarships you won to see how a gap year would affect your award.
Can I retain my spot at a college if I take a gap year?
If your decision to take a gap year came about in the later stages, all is not lost. Many colleges accept deferral letters all the way into early August. It can’t hurt to try, so if you want to take a gap year, contact your school.