Gap Years Aren't for Everyone
Though many students may benefit from taking time off, it is not something meant for all students. It should really be determined on an individual basis. Leah Ryan argues that the effectiveness of a gap year has a lot to do with the participant's age and their personal career goals. She compares the typical gap year at the end of high school to the "transition year" in Ireland that students have the option of taking at age 15. Though they both have the same goals, the effectiveness can vary. She had been cautioned against a gap year because of her middle-class upbringing. However, she recognizes that, for others, a gap year may be the right path. She cites a study by Claire Crawford and Jonathan Cribb which states that, for students from a higher-socioeconomic background, gap years can be extremely beneficial if they have already been accepted to college.
An article written for PBS News Hour also states that Gap years aren't suited for everyone because there are certain limitations. As mentioned in the Crawford-Cribb study, since the cost of a gap year is high, students who decide to take a gap year typically come from a higher socioeconomic class. However, many schools (such as Tufts and UNC), are starting to provide more opportunities for all students to have an enriching gap year experience. It is also mentioned that not all students would benefit from a gap year. Firstly, not all students finish high school suffering from academic burnout. Second, a student should not take a gap year if they do not have a clear plan of what they will do during their time off.
An article written for PBS News Hour also states that Gap years aren't suited for everyone because there are certain limitations. As mentioned in the Crawford-Cribb study, since the cost of a gap year is high, students who decide to take a gap year typically come from a higher socioeconomic class. However, many schools (such as Tufts and UNC), are starting to provide more opportunities for all students to have an enriching gap year experience. It is also mentioned that not all students would benefit from a gap year. Firstly, not all students finish high school suffering from academic burnout. Second, a student should not take a gap year if they do not have a clear plan of what they will do during their time off.
Make a Plan
Whether or not a student decides to take a gap year, one thing that is agreed upon is that they must have a plan. Randye Hoder's article in Time Magazine states that there are three essential steps students must take if they are thinking about taking a gap year. The student should apply to college anyway and then defer enrollment should they decide to follow through with their gap year. this way, they know that there is something they can go back to after they've completed their gap year. The second step is to have a structured plan laid out for the student's gap year to ensure a productive experience. The third is to give the student some sort of financial responsibility for their gap year to increase their accountability. By taking these steps, students can deliberate whether or not a gap year is really the best option for them. This is something that should be strongly considered by a student, his/her parents, and his/her college counselor in order to make a decision about the best course of action.
Header Photo provided by Weebly.com