Gap Year Before College

The notion of what a gap year involves is a tempting one, especially upon finishing secondary school; after over two thousand hours of class time, standardized testing, and extracurricular activities the prospect of beginning a lengthy rigorous university career can seem exhausting and leaving students feeling burnt-out. This is why U.S. students should adopt the custom of taking a gap or bridge year before college, involving six to twelve months of travel or experimental programs; research shows that those who take time off are more motivated to complete a degree.
When thought of the ‘typical’ gap year may consist of a long break backpacking across exotic locations, lazing about on beaches, and partying through the night; though the opportunity to do many other things could be equally and more so beneficial, such as traveling, learning a new language, performing religious services and career internships. Studies done has shown that taking a gap year can improve a returning student’s grade point averages, help determine academic majors, and lead to higher satisfaction with future careers; also “gappers” have reported these breaks helped them to gain a better sense of themselves and the outside world (AGA). The lists of academic and personal benefits could go on and on, but gap years …show more content…
Gap years also don’t have to be between secondary school and college, but can be during a student’s educational career; most students end up taking a gap year before or during their senior year at a university. Though this again would delay a student’s graduation date, it could be more so beneficial to do it at this time since most colleges will give credits for certain activities or programs that are