miss_fairy061189 asked:
I’m planning to study a science subject but I don’t know whether to take a gap year before I go or just head straight off to university. What are the pros and cons of gap years? Everyone says the choice is up to me and doesn’t really offer much useful advice.
I’m planning to study a science subject but I don’t know whether to take a gap year before I go or just head straight off to university. What are the pros and cons of gap years? Everyone says the choice is up to me and doesn’t really offer much useful advice.
i think a gap year is a good idea. you have had years of studying at school…and will have years of studying ahead – so its time for a chill out…see a little of the world if you can come back refreshed…and ready to throw yourself into your studies…you do need a little ‘ME’ time!!
loads of prep school students from top high schools take a gap year. It is only worth it if
a) you’re going to enjoy your time
b) You’re doing something that means something and not waking up at 12 noon, having lunch, watching telly and then going to sleep at 4 only to repeat the cycle again.
Gap years are a great time to gain experience, and you can think of it as a time to explore yourself and have fun at the same time.
I don’t like it. Personally, I think you can wander off and not stay focused, or find it hard to come back. Stopping the journey to start another is a fine choice, but I think its hard to return to the previous one. Many do it, so it can be done. I wouldn’t venture to say how smoothly. I think you are best served saving that year for the year after university—or during. Study abroad instead, or travel to celebrate completion. Think about completing university as an end to a school career. CELEBRATE and breathe then. Then again that is just me.
More and more people are taking a gap year now. It does help to clear your head of academia. I didn’t and regret it because I was continuing the learning treadmill. My eldest daughter took a gap year and it’s been really useful since she graduated as it’s helped her in getting employment. A working gap year (not a I went back packing in Nepal gap year) is a major plus on your cv/resume.
The only problem with taking time off is distraction. As long as you commit to coming back there is nothing wrong with a break it could help you re focus…
If i were you I wouldn’t wanna waste time and I would want to finish my studies as soon as possible. its ok if you wanna relax for a while. but one year is too long. IF you do decide to have this gap, you can spend the time traveling or do some social work.
Yes. I would recommend getting a job and taking a year off it wont hurt you in the long run and you wont be as burnt out from studying.
The pros are that you have a great time, and have amazing new experiences. The cons of going between school and uni is that you may not have alot of money – not that you need loads but it’s a shame to get to the other side of the world and then be unable to do something because of the cost also it may be hard to settle back into your studies once you return – mind you y=that’s the same with work. I would say take every opportunity to travel – but – if it’s a choice between now and say after university then I would go later. I travelled after I left school (and it was much more unusual then – I’m nearly 42 now). I then started travelling again in my thirtes and have to say I’ve enjoyed it much more and got far more out of it now I’m older. One thing I’m sure of, if you go you will get the bug and it won’t be your last trip!
I did, and it was a brilliant decision. For the first time in years I was free of academia, which meant I could spend time doing the fun things I never did before without worrying. I also got a job and saved enough money to never need to go into my overdraft during my time at university, which made life a LOT easier!
Yes!! Especially if you use the time to work and to develop your own experience and skills base. You will go to university with a greater sense of ourpose when you have spent a year working 12 hours a day. Working abroad gives you the added benefit of experiencing life and people away from your own back yard and comfort zone. I reckon 25 is a good age to do a degree.