Graduating from high school holds the promise of a new future for every senior. But after four years of hard work, SAT/ACT prep, and perhaps some AP tests, the idea of going off to a brand-new environment in a few months may sometimes be daunting. The pressure of making a career choice is nearly immediate after starting college, so some students find taking a break after high school is refreshing.
For students who are motivated but
need time to focus and organize themselves, a gap year is a great option. There are many programs out there for students in this position. But the decision to take a year off is not an easy one, and must be done only for the right reasons. Perhaps your child did not get into their dream school and would like the opportunity to apply again. If your child is conflicted about choosing a career path, a gap year could be a way to explore and focus on their interests. However, this path is not for everyone. It is important to consider all of the possibilities for long-term success.
The Options
Depending on your child’s interests, there are many opportunities to make the most of a gap year. Many students embark on putting all of their efforts into volunteering for a humanitarian cause, either locally or abroad. For a student who has become exhausted from the academic environment, this experience can inspire compassion and a more comprehensive view of their surroundings. Similarly, many gap-year students decide to travel, gaining knowledge of a different culture or religion. If a student knows he may not be able to study abroad during college, this is a
great choice.
Taking a gap year also provides an excellent opportunity to expand a resume. Internships are widely popular for students taking an academic break, as they allow for real-world exploration of a career interest. Other students choose to work part- or full-time to earn money. Financial stress during college is nearly impossible to avoid, but working for a year will both add to your child’s character—and his savings account.
Every gap-year student should make time to sit in on classes at the local university,
so as to both mentally prepare him for a college environment and to gauge what kinds of classes he may be interested in. A gap year is a time to focus, plan, and find a niche. It should not by any means be a time for relaxation, and it is for this reason that it is not the right choice for everyone. Motivation to build experience and
creative energy must be your child’s priority.
Taking the Right Steps
Weigh All Options and Make a Plan. Often, students don’t consider the possibility of taking a gap year. If your child has expressed concern or stress about starting a new academic journey, let her know that she has another choice. However, before deciding to take a gap year, having a detailed plan is crucial. Sit down with your child and discuss the particulars of the year, including finances. Discuss what types of opportunities she is looking for, and how she is going to go about following through with this plan.
Do Plenty of Research. Encourage your child to look into all options for opportunities during a gap year. Think about your child’s interests, and suggest a direction to go in. For example, if Sally really enjoyed mock trial in high school, she may want to consider interning at a law practice. Allow consideration for all options that are brought up. Most importantly, as a parent, it is important for you to remember that a gap year is not necessarily the best idea for a student who is not motivated to make the most of her time. Remind your child that this is not a vacation!
Defer Admission. Even if your child was granted admission to her dream college, taking a gap year is still an option. Each university has specific policies, but almost every school offers the opportunity to defer admission for one year. Your child will likely have to fill out a request form provided by the university. (Be sure to speak with the admissions office for details.)Ask about financial aid and scholarships carrying over to the following year. Most deadlines for a defer request are May 1. Your child must apply before this deadline to receive guaranteed future enrollment.
A Few Things to Consider
Students who decide to take a gap year are deciding to start their careers a year later than planned. However, this "setback" can be worth it to a student who has a detailed plan that will benefit him in the long run. A gap year can provide opportunities that will put your child one step ahead later. The reality is, starting college one year later is okay, because all freshmen are in the same unfamiliar place ready and willing to make friends. Oftentimes students who take
a gap year worry about academic success after having taken a year off of school. Academics in college are hard to tackle for every freshman, and so, making a gap year worth the time is truly depends on personality type and motivation to succeed. ·
Cassidy Molina is a junior at Cornell University majoring in English and Anthropology.
