Okay, so here’s my situation:
I am currently a sixteen year old Junior in High School and everyone is starting to go crazy about college. I have to admit, I’m excited for it! Just thinking about all the new experiences and people makes me excited. BUT… I started school early (I’m actually supposed to be a sophomore). I wanted to know if I could take advantage of this and take a gap year so that I could explore my career interests a little more before going to college. Even traveling would be great.
I know a lot of ppl say that if you take a gap yr, you’re never gonna go back to school. But that’s not the case with me. I genuinely am excited for college and knowing my parents, not going is not an option. I just wanna know if a gap year is a good idea and if colleges approve of them. I know Malia Obama is taking one.
Anyone can take a gap year. Search the forums for that. Lots of threads on recommendations of what to do during that time.
As a person who took many gap semesters and eventually got a degree, I say do it. But, apply to college, get accepted, and ask for a deferment for a year, which is pretty common and probably not an issue. I worked, saved money, traveled all over the world (continue to do so) and went to college in between. My biggest and best education came from traveling, quite frankly. You may get few opportunities in life to travel before bills and life get in the way, so seize the day, go see the world.
You just seriously inspired me! Thank you so much @Lindagaf !! And if you don’t me asking, where did you travel and what was your favorite place? I myself am a big fan of Italy.
Also, what did you get your degree in and what are you doing now?
I will PM you, but in a nutshell, I have been on every continent except Antarctica.
And for the benefit of others, you really do want to apply and be accepted somewhere, then defer, because waiting a year will mean teachers and counselors will forget, and you will have more red tape trying to get things from school a year later. Better to do it next year and have it ready to go.
Have you considered getting a degree abroad? If you know what you want to study, you will find that you can attend Uni in Europe for example, and get a degree in three years at a fraction of the price. Think about it.