You have probably heard the term “gap year” before, if you are reading this, but you may not be entirely clear what it means or the advantages of taking one. Or perhaps you want assistance deciding whether a gap year is the best option for you or how to organize one.
What is a gap year?
A gap year is an immersive learning time that is often taken in between high school and college. Furthermore, a “gap year” need not be a whole year; for instance, you might take a full semester off prior to starting college. Travel, internships, paid employment, volunteer work, and college-credit courses are just a few of the ways that gap years might be filled. The possibilities are countless!
Is it better to apply to colleges before or after taking a gap year?
Once more, the response is: it depends. This is probably not a very gratifying response, but we believe there are a few key elements you should consider (more on that just below). Finding the appropriate institution for you is crucial, but deciding when to apply is a personal choice.
If you are struggling with this question, feel free to take advantage of EnrichMyCareer’s 15-minute free career counselling session with us.
Pros of Applying to College Before
At least in the US, the majority of institutions permit acceptance followed by a one-year postponement of admission. Applying to and being accepted to colleges before your gap year will help you have a more enjoyable and stress-free year since you won’t have to worry about college applications during that time. Having a plan for the end of the year may help you feel more at ease.
Additionally, applying ahead of time might give your parents peace of mind that you will begin school the following year if they are concerned that you won’t attend college after your gap year.
Pros to Applying to College After
You may utilize the first few months of your gap year to better grasp who you are and what and where you want to study, which is a benefit of applying to colleges after your gap year. For instance, a marketing internship might help you change your course or strengthen your interest in the industry. It sounds like a fairly wonderful time saver to realize that you aren’t really interested in a topic you were considering majoring in, since you have some experience in it.
Furthermore, having a variety of activities throughout your gap year could actually increase your competitiveness as a candidate and provide your application essays with interesting material.
Gap Year Goals
After years of rigorous coursework, organizing a whole year may seem overwhelming. Your objectives are a useful place to start. In general, the majority of gap year objectives may be divided into four groups: paid employment, volunteer work, travel, and career exploration.
Your objectives might include:
a. I’ll know more clearly what I want to study when I start college.
b. Finish an internship in a field of work that interests me.
c. Get out of my hometown and go somewhere.
d. Become fully immersed in a new culture
e. Boost my proficiency in a foreign language
Questions to Consider
You may begin to consider how you will accomplish your goals after you have a better understanding of them. The following questions are included in the book to help you focus your first thought.
a. Which professions appeal to you? Which professions don’t appeal to you?
b. How could you spend your year off exploring them?
c. Which would you prefer—visiting several different locations or spending a lot of time in one place?
d. Which volunteer work appeals to you?
e. In the past, what kinds of service work have you found fulfilling?
f. What abilities or aptitudes can you provide to your community or others?
g. Does your gap year need you to earn a certain amount of money in order to support yourself.
h. Do you intend to stay employed in your current position?
i. Which types of employment prospects appeal to you?
Planning Out Your Gap Year
When planning your gap year, one of the most important considerations is how much structure you’ll need to achieve your objectives.
Write your thoughts on the following questions: During your gap year, how much structure and support are you looking for? How self-sufficient are you? How at ease are you when you travel? Which would you prefer—traveling alone or with other students taking a gap year? Would you rather volunteer during a gap year program, or would you feel comfortable approaching groups about volunteer opportunities?
Conclusion
Keep in mind that there isn’t just one correct or wrong way! Finding the right route for you is more essential than whether or not you choose to take a gap year. Follow your gut and take advantage of this priceless chance to learn more about your interests and self.
Feel free to reach out to EnrichMyCareer in case of any doubts.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do you explain why you took a gap year?
It’s an opportunity to develop, discover new things, and pursue your hobbies. While some utilize this time to acquire new abilities, others use it to save money. Finding your passion and being ready for the next phase of your life may be accomplished during gap years.
2. How to write a gap year essay?
A gap year essay should include a suitable introduction, body, and conclusion, just like any other essay. You can briefly describe yourself and the reason for your gap year in the beginning, then go on to explain it and discuss how it affected your life.
3. How can I justify my gap year?
Be truthful and succinct when describing a one-year lapse during an interview. During the gap, highlight any worthwhile endeavors or experiences, such as volunteer work, freelancing, career advancement, or private causes like travel or caregiving.
Nishant is an Internationally Certified Career Coach, a Career Counsellor, an Education Consultant, a Soft Skills Trainer, and an ardent advocate of youth empowerment through personalized guidance, mentoring, and developmental interventions. He is also an International Economic Development and Business Consultant. Over the years, he has helped many students of different age groups and working professionals in discovering their true selves, setting appropriate career goals, and walking the right career paths.
Nishant is a mechanical engineering alumnus from R.V. College of Engineering, Bangalore. He has been widely featured in top media and also delivered talks at Cambridge University-UK and IIT-Guwahati among others. He has also delivered workshops at many reputed schools and colleges on various careers and skills-related topics.
