<p>Hello CCers,</p>
<p>I am a recently accepted student into Stanford's class of 2018. My question is about the gap year. </p>
<p>I've heard many great things about the Gap Year, such as the time to destress, pursue passions and dreams that one couldn't with the workload in college, and gaining more life experiences. If I were to do a Gap Year, I would take some time to make some money, move to San Francisco and hopefully find a job at a Start-Up (haven't found one yet) and then travel the world while destressing and pursuing individual passions. However, Stanford is super tempting too and it is my dream school. I would be fine with going to college, but traveling at 18 fresh out of high school without the burden of life is a once in a lifetime opportunity. </p>
<p>I want to have new life experiences, have freedom, and explore the world. But I am afraid of wasting my time and/or not having enough money to live in San Francisco etc. I have until June 15th to make a final decision.</p>
<p>What would you do?
Love,
gmaijoe</p>
<p>First world problem and/or humblebrag.</p>
<p>Gap year. Stanford is in your hands, so it’s up to you to decide whether you want to start now or in a year. I’m going to make the assumption that you’ve worked ridiculously hard (like many of us) to get into Stanford, and perhaps taking a year to recharge is what you need. A gap year is a once in a lifetime opportunity, and if it’s financially feasible and you don’t mind starting a year later, I would totally go for it. Congrats on your options!</p>
<p>It’s your choice. Personally I’d go with just going to school in the fall, but that’s mainly because I want to graduate and go to grad school -or med school- as quickly and comfortably as possible…and I don’t have enough technical know-how to find a meaningful job at a start up. Financial feasibility is definitely an issue -how much will a gap year program cost vs how much might you make at a job. As for recharging…a 3 month summer free of academic responsibilities is more than enough time for me -personally- to recharge. If you want to take a gap year for that you might get bored pretty quickly. </p>
<p>I’m pretty sure you have the option of deferring admission for Stanford, and I’m guessing that’s what you mean by the June 15th deadline. If you have good reasons for taking a gap year, then feel free to do so. But I would try to see if you can find an internship and housing before you make your final decision. Keep in mind that there are a lot of opportunities to get involved with entrepreneurship at Stanford, and you could always study abroad to get your travel fix. Summer, to me, is more than enough time to recharge if you feel a bit burnt out from high school, but it’s your call–you’ll be fine either way. Good luck! </p>