Benefits Of A Gap Year Essay

For some students, the question of what to do after high school may be a burden to even contemplate as it approaches quicker and quicker. The pressure to continue another four (or more) years of education after high school can be overwhelming considering twelve years of schooling has already been completed; why go right back to school again? When’s break time? Some people are simply just not ready for college and they know it, or at least until after they have had a long break or have had some time to recollect themselves. Technically speaking college isn’t for everyone, nor is it necessarily needed for a career. Luckily today, there are many other options that potential career seeking beings can get a head start on such as community colleges and trade/vocational schools. These alternatives to a four year college are considered to be a good start on a job (and maybe even a career). The best benefits of these alternatives involve the cost of attending, the student environment, and the degrees offered.

The transition from high school to college is a dynamic time in one’s life that parallels the change from childhood to adulthood. Both of these changes are dramatic and, as a result, feelings are difficult to put down into words. A messy combination of emotions fills the heart, surfacing in strange ways. Confident high school seniors go right back to the bottom of the chain when entering college as freshmen. These students start all over, just like entering grade school or high school for the first time. The move up from high school to college signals the switch from dependence to self-sufficiency. From a personal point of view, going through the experience of graduating high school and transferring to a residential college campus at STLCOP, made me realize I was no longer a kid and capable of making my own decisions.

As adolescents begin their senior year, the topic of college often runs without hindrance, often causing extreme stress. As the monetary value, as well as the time spent, begins to accumulate in their minds, students often find themselves bound at the wrists figuring out a way to balance as well as afford college living. In many cases, the upcoming graduates are unsure about their career path, almost enhancing their stress in choosing a school that would cater to their needs. It is almost then they begin to ponder whether or not University/college life is for them, which is could be an extremely advantageous shot in a, for example, high achieving family. Whilst college does allow for a plethora of doors to be opened, the lack of time, effort, and money can hinder one 's ability to properly choose a university. Though school can help with the stepping stones of life, they do not entirely ensure a proper future, therefore many may opt out of school; however, with the correct actions, they may turn out extremely successful, which may not have even happened without the release of the burden of school.

The gap year after high school is becoming more popular among America’s youth. The amount of programs that are available to them is enormous. These programs allow students to explore what they actually may want to pursue in the future, aid them in choosing the appropriate college, and degree program. Though it may not be for everyone more and more colleges are highly recommending that students take a gap year to eliminate the burnt out feeling that most endure after 12 years of study. Colleges strongly recommend that if a gap year is to occur that there is to be strong solid plan in place. Students should take a gap year before college because it is statistically proven that they are more successful when returning to college; it allows for their maturity to grow, and allows them to become more aware of other cultures.

American teenagers are overwhelmed and brainwashed with the push for higher education after high school. The coveted college education is widely believed by the nation to bring success and security to those who choose to pursue it, therefore it is the most desirable pathway. Without disregard for the other post-high school options, it is a universally known fact that college is the predestined route high schools have highlighted on the map of most American teenagers’ futures. Provided the current national student-loan debt being between $902 billion and $1 trillion, not only American teenagers, but also American adults are starting to pull over to reevaluate their map. The multitude of skills and experiences taught are not proportioned with

1. During my junior year of college I embarked on my first international trip to study abroad in Australia. This experience set my life path off course and allowed me to experience a completely different culture. There are many obvious differences between Australia and America but one of the significant contrasts is the use of a gap year, which was a completely foreign concept to me. I learned that a gap year is a time, typically between high school and college, for students to take a sabbatical from formal education and begin a journey of self-discover. During this time many students work, volunteer, or travel, giving them time to reflect and explore their own interests. Gap years are far less popular in the United States as they are in other areas around the world. I believe many American students would greatly benefit from taking a gap year and would lead to a more productive and happier society.

Only some high school students may have an idea of what they want to do with their life while others are clueless. Most plans for life after high school are either: serving in a military branch, living at home and working, or even attending college. Those that go to college straight out of high school tend to be quite young – these students are considered millennials by age group. As college begins, teenagers are starting to sway away from their parents and begin the adult stage of their lives. Millennials who attend college should work a part-time job while in school because it makes them more accountable for themselves by managing their own time, handling their own money, and helps them gain work experience for a desired occupation by giving them skills.

High school students who are juniors or seniors are told that college or real life is right around the corner, and don’t take those last few months for granted. Many opportunities are

Before I start I would like to give you a little background on Gap Year.

Taking a gap year might be a personal consideration but in the end, is it really worth it? A gap year is when students take a year off after high school and don't go straight to college. During the gap year, people usually travel, works, or do something to promote their time off from education. Not many people consider taking a gap year no matter how effective it might be. A gap year allows one to be independent. It allows people to learn about themselves and what they want to do in their life. Gap year allows one to add to their resume. You can see the world and get new life experiences, which is an untradeable prize. On the other hand, going straight to college can have its advantages. Going right into college can give one a head start

Taking a gap year between high school and college is becoming a rapidly developing trend amongst students in the United Kingdom and United States over the last decade. The extreme pressure from the four years spent in high school leaves students drained and needing to re-energize before facing an even more rigorous course load in college. A gap year is the perfect solution as students take “time off with a purpose” before furthering their education.

Though there are many advantages to taking a gap year, there are just as many disadvantages. People may find themselves unwilling to go back to school, they may lose opportunities for scholarships, or they might not have enough money to support the activities they replace school with. Even their social life could be affected. With all of these negative aspects one may ask, why would anyone risk taking a gap year?

A gap year was once just a privilege for the people of luxury and wealthy backgrounds, who’s mummy and daddy would send them of for the time of their lives. They would travel to poor countries and help build houses and schools for the ones in need for a few weeks. Then spend the rest of the year going to beaches and parties. They have changed the lives of many and had the time of their lives.

Many people believe taking a gap year after high school will discourage a higher education because the student is not likely to go back to school after taking a break. Due to this thought, parents of new graduates are not openly supportive of gap years. Cases of students who take a gap year and do not pursue a higher education are the ones thrown into the spotlight. The wide concern of students giving up their

Various disadvantages, moreover dangers, have to be taken into consideration about the gap year. The notion of going against the social norm and/ or breaking tradition, to a higher degree in the US, can be difficult for adolescents to overcome. As Killen notes