For many students, there seems to be a clear path forward: After earning their high school diploma, they often plan to pursue postsecondary education or a career in the skilled trades, and they feel that their next step should begin immediately following graduation.
However, in recent years, the concept of a gap year has become more appealing to students who wish to take more time to learn about who they are or to take some time to reflect on what kind of person they want to become. If you find yourself questioning whether to start your next step right away or to slow down and take a gap year, consider exploring some gap year pros and cons which may help you determine the next best step for you.
The Concept of a Gap Year
The concept of a gap year is a longstanding British tradition that has been popularized throughout Europe but is becoming more common in the United States. According to the Gap Year Association, the modern concept of a gap year emerged in the United Kingdom following World War II, giving students a chance to explore personal interests and opportunities for service before beginning their collegiate education.
Definition and History in the United States
The Gap Year Association defines a gap year as a period of time after graduating from high school and before beginning college when students can intentionally consider personal interests, opportunities for service, and professional development programs. While the gap year has been a longstanding European tradition, it became more widely discussed in the United States when President Barack Obama’s daughter Malia opted to take a gap year after graduating from high school. Today’s high school graduates in the United States are finding the idea of a gap year appealing, as it gives them time to focus on themselves, learn more about who they are, and discover what they want to do in the future.
Common Myths vs. Realities
On the surface, a gap year may seem like a year-long vacation, but that is one of the most common misconceptions. In reality, the gap year is supposed to be an intentional period of time in which a student engages in self-discovery. There are multiple ways for students to productively utilize their gap year — such as traveling abroad, completing work with a charitable organization, or working as part of an internship program in a field that they are considering.
Evaluating If a Gap Year Is Right for You: Gap Year Pros and Cons
As you consider your plans for after high school graduation, take some time to reflect and decide if a gap year is the right option for your personal and professional goals. There is a range of factors to consider when evaluating if a gap year is ideal for you, such as your personal and financial circumstances as well as your academic and career goals.
Personality and Career Goals Assessment
One of the best ways to determine if a gap year is the right choice for you is to complete a personality and career goals assessment. According to the National Society of High School Scholars, you should make an effort to reflect on your high school experiences and consider your future goals before deciding to take a gap year. You may be well-suited to a gap year if:
- You are looking to enjoy new experiences that offer opportunities for personal growth.
- You are looking to explore various career fields to narrow down your academic focus.
- You are interested in traveling and experiencing the world as part of your own journey of self-discovery.
You should not take a gap year if:
- You are looking for a way to escape or avoid problems in your life.
- You are not planning to utilize the time wisely. A gap year should not be a year-long vacation solely for rest and leisure.
Consulting With Academic Advisors and Gap Year Alumni
As you consider whether a gap year is right for you, be aware that you could gain valuable perspective from academic advisors or students who have previously completed a gap year. They may offer contextual insight about the gap year pros and cons to consider, giving you more information to rely on as you make your final decision.
Pros of Taking a Gap Year
Although the concept of a gap year is still gaining traction in the United States, students from around the world have found that it is an incredibly beneficial experience. Understanding the advantages of taking a gap year can help you decide if this is the right step for you to take after your high school graduation.
Personal Growth and Self-Discovery
Very few 18-year-old high school graduates have it all figured out. While some may have an idea of what they want to study or what their professional goals might be, there are a great many students who feel unsure of what they should do next. By taking an intentional gap year, you may embark on a period of personal growth and self-discovery that helps you learn how to prioritize personal fulfillment in your life. A gap year is an opportunity to recharge after the academic stress and social pressures of high school, and it could give you the ability to learn more about your own authentic identity before you begin your next chapter.
Gaining Work Experience and Skills Outside the Classroom
If you decide to take a gap year, there are several experiences and opportunities to consider — from starting an internship program at a local company to traveling to a foreign country to learn about the culture. By using this gap in your education intentionally, you are giving yourself an opportunity to gain experience that could provide insight into the fields that you are considering. You also may have the ability to develop practical, technical, and soft skills that could benefit you both academically and professionally.
Cons of Taking a Gap Year
A period of self-discovery and exploration may sound appealing following your high school graduation; however, there are some drawbacks associated with taking a gap year. Knowing the disadvantages of taking a gap year may help you perform a cost-benefit analysis to determine the next best step for you.
Potential Academic Setbacks and Loss of Momentum
Taking a year off from school can be refreshing, but it may also result in a loss of momentum. Once you take that time off, it might be difficult to feel motivated to get back into the classroom and start completing your coursework again. It is crucial to consider the type of student you are and decide if the potential academic setbacks are worth the experience of a gap year.
The Financial Burden of Planning a Gap Year
Depending on what you choose to do during your gap year, it could be a costly endeavor. Though some high school graduates choose to spend their gap year working, gaining professional experience, and saving money for college, others choose to travel abroad or volunteer their time to a charitable organization. It is essential to evaluate whether you have the financial means to take a year off from school and work before you start a gap year after high school graduation.
Navigating the Uncertainty and Lack of Structure
For those who crave structure and discipline, a gap year could be an overwhelming experience. There is no defined plan for what a gap year should look like or what you should accomplish during this time, so you must feel comfortable with the uncertainty that accompanies this rewarding experience.
Who Should Consider a Gap Year?
A gap year is more than just a break from reality — it is an intentional and structured year in which you pursue opportunities that bring personal fulfillment and professional experience. Typically, individuals who take a gap year are between 18 and 22 years old, and they often complete this year immediately after high school graduation. However, there is no defined outline of who can or should take a gap year, so be sure to reflect on your own goals and experiences as you decide if a gap year is ideal.
Assessing Your Goals and Aspirations
The Gap Year Association notes that more than 90% of students who embark on a gap year pursue higher education opportunities after it is complete. This is something to keep in mind as you assess your own goals and aspirations. When reflecting on your own experiences and deciding if a gap year is right for you, consider:
- Your personal interests and how those may align with your future career.
- Your experiences outside the classroom and what type of experiences you would like to enjoy prior to beginning your college degree.
- Your experiences abroad and what type of travel experiences may benefit you on a personal level.
- Your sense of cultural awareness and whether you could benefit from learning more about those who are different than you.
- Your professional goals and how a year of intentionally developing your skills could benefit your career in the long term.
Situational Factors to Consider
After evaluating your goals and aspirations, you should also consider your personal circumstances. Some situational factors to keep in mind include:
- Your ability to earn income and financially support yourself during your gap year.
- Your living arrangements and what accommodations you would need to make during your gap year.
- Your motivation to continue your academic journey following your gap year.
Step-by-Step Guide to Organizing Your Gap Year
If you decide to take a gap year after graduation, then you may want to consider getting organized in advance. Remember, a gap year is not a spontaneous vacation from all responsibilities; it is a structured and intentional year in which you can enjoy new experiences, develop lasting relationships, and acquire fresh skills. By planning out your gap year, you can make the most out of this time in your life.
The following are the steps you should take when planning out your gap year:
Step 1: Research and Selecting Your Focus Area
The first step is deciding what you want your gap year to look like. By conducting research in advance, you may learn more about what options are available to you. Common gap year experiences include:
- Working with a charitable organization and completing volunteer work.
- Traveling to new countries to become more culturally aware.
- Completing an internship program with a company or organization in your area of professional interest.
Through your research, you can discover which opportunities are available and appealing.
Step 2: Creating a Detailed Itinerary and Budget
Once you have a better idea of what you want your gap year to look like, it is time to start crafting your itinerary. Before you begin building your plans, establish a budget and also identify sources of funding. This allows you to craft an itinerary for your gap year that is feasible, attainable, and affordable.
Step 3: Securing Funding and Scholarships
Financial aid is sometimes available for students who are pursuing a gap year. According to SoFi, many students who are taking a gap year between high school and college use multiple funding sources in order to afford the experience, such as:
- Scholarships and grants
- Savings from college accounts and 529 investment plans
- Personal loans
- Gifts from family members or friends
- Savings from part-time income throughout high school
Those who are pursuing internships as part of their gap year may be able to earn income throughout their gap year, which could reduce the overall cost of the experience.
Step 4: Health, Safety, and Insurance Preparations
Depending on where you plan to spend your gap year, you may need to take extra measures to ensure that you have insurance coverage. This is particularly important if you plan to stay abroad for an extended period during your gap year. You may be able to work with your current insurance provider to verify that you have coverage, or you may need to purchase additional coverage for your gap year.
Step 5: Staying Connected: Logistics for Communication
While you may be taking a year off to rest, recharge, travel, and learn something new about yourself, you still want to stay connected to friends, family, and professional peers — even if this means setting boundaries with your phone usage so you can remain present in the experience. These are some ways that you might stay in touch:
- Keep in contact through dedicated times for phone calls and text messages.
- Send email newsletters to family members and friends who want regular, detailed updates.
- Create a blog that you use to document your experiences and share with your followers on social media.
- Launch an Instagram or TikTok account where you post live updates about your gap year experiences.
Leveraging Your Gap Year Experience for College Admissions
One concern that some high school graduates have about taking a gap year is that it may have a detrimental impact on their ability to get into the college or university of their dreams. Fortunately, when you take a structured and intentional approach to your gap year, you could leverage your experience and appeal to college admissions officers.
Documenting Your Experiences and Learning
To showcase the value of your gap year experiences, document your journey along the way. Maintaining a blog, for example, is an excellent way to share information about your experiences in real time and also preserve your memories for the future.
Incorporating Gap Year Experiences in College Applications
Most college applications provide prospective students with an opportunity to craft an essay or share a personal statement. If you are submitting a writing piece as part of the application process, be sure to weave your gap year experiences into your essay. This allows you to share more depth and insight about your experiences, proving that it was a valuable and rewarding experience that will benefit you as a student.
Returning to Academia After a Gap Year
When you begin your gap year, 365 days may seem like a long time to devote to personal growth and development, yet you may find that the time flies quickly. Returning to academic life can be an adjustment, but there are resources available for students who are transitioning back to school after their gap year.
Reintegrating Into Academic Life
According to Scholarship America, reintegrating into academic life can be one of the most significant challenges for students after a gap year. If you are struggling, work with professors, college advisors, or tutors to get help as you develop effective study habits and a new routine.
Utilizing Gap Year Experiences in Your Studies and Campus Involvement
In addition to returning to the classroom, you may also be integrating into campus life. If you developed new interests or passions during your gap year, you could seek student organizations aligned with those interests on campus that allow you to connect with like-minded students.
Take the Next Step Toward Earning Your Degree at Post University
Whether you decide to take a gap year or plan to enroll in a degree program immediately after earning your high school diploma, Post University offers the support and guidance you need during this next chapter. For more information about our degree programs and financial aid packages, contact the Post University admissions office today.
Thank you for reading! The views and information provided in this post do not reflect Post University programs and/or outcomes directly. If you are interested in learning more about our programs, you can find a complete list of our programs on our website or reach out directly!
Thank you for reading! The views and information provided in this post do not reflect Post University programs and/or outcomes directly. If you are interested in learning more about our programs, you can find a complete list of our programs on our website or reach out directly!
Please note jobs and/or career outcomes highlighted in this blog do not reflect jobs or career outcomes expected from any Post program. To learn more about Post’s programs and their outcomes, please fill out a form to speak with an admissions advisor.