Is college the obvious next step after high school? An increasing number of students do not immediately enrol in college after graduating from high school, preferring to take some time off to focus on other aspects of their lives outside of school. This is referred to as a gap year, and it can be a beneficial way to begin a college career. Before considering a gap year it is important to look into a gap year’s pros and cons, which will help you decide if it is the right decision for you. Here are some gap year advantages and disadvantages you must consider.
Pros And Cons Of Taking A Gap Year
Gap years can help students gain insight into their own personal skills and goals, allowing them to enter college with a clear career path in mind. It also provides perspective by allowing students to reflect on their goals without the pressures of tests and papers. Here are some of the gap year’s pros and cons:
1. Acquire Work Experience
The most important thought while considering a gap year’s pros and cons, is the work experience you can acquire during your break. If you were a busy high school student, you probably didn’t have much time to work during the school day, at least not in any capacity that resembled a career. Taking a gap year allows you to gain valuable work experience. That work experience can help you determine whether the path you’re considering is a good fit for your life experiences, goals, and skills.
2. Recharge Period
You’ve just finished at least 12 years of school. Perhaps you’d like to take a break before jumping into another four. This can be very rejuvenating as you recharge your educational batteries. Taking a year off before college allows you to recharge your batteries.
3. Investigate Possibilities
There are numerous life experiences available outside of school. You may have the opportunity to travel, explore areas near your home, or meet people outside of your comfort bubble. These types of situations are more valuable in a unique manner than classroom experiences and should be had.
4. Develop New Life Skills
You will gain life skills as you gain new life experiences. Spend your gap year learning how to budget, manage your time, cook, keep your home or apartment clean, and browse your local community. You will find the college experience far less intimidating if you have these life skills under your belt before you go.
5. Make Extra Cash
That extra year before college allows you to work full-time hours. This allows you to earn extra money for tuition and other college expenses. Because you are not bound by the constraints of a school schedule, you are free to accept any and all hours that come your way.
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The Potential Cons Of Taking A Gap Year
Taking a year off before college is not suitable for all students. It has the potential to derail your educational plans and make it more difficult to get back on track. Consider a gap year’s pros and cons before making this decision:
1. The Return to School Could Be Difficult
You’ve already entered “school” mode. It can be tough to come back into the swing of things after taking a year off. Your study habits and learning abilities may deteriorate during your year off. This is an important consideration if you are not particularly enthusiastic about education.
2. Lagging Behind With Your Peers
When you return to school after a year off, some of your classmates will be a year older than you. You might be one of the class’s older freshmen. This is not a problem for many students. The current college landscape makes it less of a problem, but you should consider whether you will feel behind if you are a year behind the others you graduated high school with.
3. Loss Of Momentum
You’ve gained traction since graduating from high school. You are looking forward to the educational opportunities that await you in college. You might lose that momentum if you take a year off to work. Fortunately, research shows that 90% of students who take a gap year return to college, so lost momentum is not always a major issue.
4. Costly
Another important factor while considering a gap year’s pros and cons is expenses. Working during your gap years can earn you money. Gap years spent travelling and experiencing new things can be costly. Before taking a gap year, make sure you’re making the most of it and that you can afford the experiences you want to have.
5. Preparation Is Required
If you want to travel during your gap year, you will need to plan ahead of time. If you do not plan ahead of time, you will squander your gap year opportunities. If you decide to take a gap year, make sure to put it to good use.
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1 thought on “Top PGDM Courses In Canada: Universities, Specialisations & Eligibility”
I have done Bachelor’s in Culinary Arts from India and completed my graduation in the year 2022 .I am 22 years old. After graduation, I have done 1 year paid internship from USA .Now, I would like to take occupational experience and learn culinary skills and also do masters in Culinary arts.How can I find the college n best course / country where I can persue studying further