<p>Hi guys,</p>
<p>I'm a junior in high school and I feel like I'm going through a mid education crisis or something. I know I'm interested in marketing, law, philosophy, government, which are the kind of practical things that I'd actually major in, but also in some more creative and risky fields like fashion and, foremost, film and TV writing. So as you can kind of tell, I'm not really ready to chose one thing to pursue in college.</p>
<p>The past few weeks, I've been thinking about graduating early and taking a gap year in a city like LA or New York, hopefully working or interning at a film or magazine or fashion firm. I'm not sure if I'm being rash, especially because it's a bit late to be making decisions like this, but I can't stop thinking about it now. I live in the suburbs of nowhere and taking a gap year and living a little in the real world sounds infinitely better than the routine and boredom of another year of high school.</p>
<p>That being said, college admissions are my first priority, especially since I'm shooting for the Ivies and schools of that caliber, and I would suffer through another year of high school if it would improve my chances. On top of that, I don't know if my expectations for getting a job or internship in these creative industries is unrealistic, and if I'll just end up in debt and waitressing.</p>
<p>So what are your thoughts? Should I go for it or not?</p>
<p>A little bit more about me in case that affects your opinion:
I have two jobs, one in an ice cream shop and one in retail, and had an internmship with a (failed) local political campaign. My GPA is 4.0 unweighted and probably around 4.75 weighted (I took a lot of reg fine arts credits freshman year before I understood weighted GPAs). I’m taking a lot of senior classes, like Calc BC and German VI, which are the highest levels offered at my school. My mom has suggested for me to graduate early and take a gap year several times, but i think my dad would be far less enthusiastic about it. I’m very ambitious and hardworking, so I’d be willing to take up multiple side jobs to pay for my rent during my gap year, but I’m also trying to save up for college because my parents won’t pay for all of it (hence the two jobs).</p>
<p>My daughter took a gap year and got into all of her college choices, she traveled. </p>
<p>If you are going to take a gap year, I would complete your senior year and then take the gap year. If you are this bored in school, your school may not be the best fit for you. Does your school allow you to take Independent study courses, or courses at a local college? Have you considered graduating with your class and simply finding a study abroad program to keep your senior year exciting, but still challenging academically?
You can always get an internship this summer in New York or LA working in the media. An extra year of school could give you a leg up, keep you with kids your age, and give you more time to think about what you want to do. It will also make the college process easier in a lot of ways. You’ll get recommendations easily, and stay on top of your teachers and counselors to get your stuff turned in because you’ll be at school. You will also have more extra curriculars and things of that sort to put on your applications.
Most importantly, top tier schools want students who will contribute to their school community. If you don’t even want to be a part of your school community, then that doesn’t reflect very well on what you will bring to college.
Lastly, this kid at my school was a genius. just brilliant. he had exhausted all the math and science courses my school offered by tenth grade and and started taking college courses the following year. It is the best private school in the state, so we do offer a wide variety of courses. What i’m trying to say is, he was incredibly academically talented.
Still, he graduated a year early, and was first wait listed at Princeton, though he did end up being accepted from the wait list. He said, he’s not the smartest anymore. Lots of kids are just like he is. He was ready to leave high school, but sees no real benefit from doing so. Why rush through the best days of your life when you don’t have to? just live in the moment, and enjoy it.
If you think ditching senior year is best for you though, of course do it.
On the other end of the spectrum, I have a friend who studied abroad his first semester of senior year, and though he missed out on a lot of school traditions, he said it was still the best year of his life. I highly recommend this option. It’s a lot of fun, you’ll be challenged, it’ll look good on your application to have studied abroad, anddd you’ll finish high school. </p>
<p>Go for it! I’m currently a senior and am taking a gap year and I couldn’t be more excited! In my opinion, there’s no rush to be done with high school, and senior year is an exciting time. I am applying to college like normal and will simply defer my admission to the following school year, so when I go away all my plans back home with college will be set. Talking with people have done a gap year and studied abroad, they said it was the most amazing experience that teaches you so much about yourself. If you’re not sure what you want to, I think this is the best option. Just remember, there is no rush to be done with high school. If you have any further questions feel free to PM me considering I’m currently going through the process.</p>
<p>Hey! So I also have the choice of graduating early but I’m not taking it. I’m not telling you to follow me but I’m giving you my reasons.
- High school only comes once in your life + senior year is like the best year
- I’m not really ready to leave hs early
- take your time and dont speed up anything
- the gap year doesn’t really get you ready for college (my cousin did that and he says it doesn’t help) </p>