Hello,
I am thinking about taking a gap year between my sophomore and junior year. So far, I haven’t been doing very well. I lost my scholarship twice for not being able to maintain the GPA requirement of a 3.3. My current GPA is a 3.0, and I honestly just don’t have the motivation or desire to be in school right now. I believe this reflected in my grades. I am thinking it would be a wise decision to take a year off to work and sort out what I would really like to do with my life. I am still thinking about becoming a Physician Assistant. I think during my time off, I will get a temporary full-time job probably as a cashier, waiter, etc., then save up some money to attend a CNA or Phlebotomy program to obtain a certificate, and get a job in that field to obtain some health care experience for PA school. The more experience you have the better. I believe the extra year would allow me to gain additional hours. However, like I’ve said I just want extra time to think about my future. The only thing that kind of sucks about this is that my friends will already be in their final year when I go back, and I won’t be able to graduate with them. However, I know that my education, future, and well-being is most important. So what do you guys think? Should I take a year off from college to sort out what I want to do with my life?
Just make sure your scholarships will be available, or if they won’t that you will be able to pay for college. My daughter’s merit scholarships is 8 consecutive semesters. They will make an exception for an internship or military service or religious mission, but not for taking a year off even if it is because you can’t afford to return.
I think it’s fine as long as you don’t make any permanently life-altering choices (and that includes checking your scholarship availability as noted above ^^).
Otherwise it could be a very good idea imho.
My single biggest regret about my educational history, is that I didn’t take a year off when I was pretty much in your shoes.
You have a good plan for how you will use your time off. Have you budgeted for any student loan payments that might come due? Sort that out too.
Wishing you all the best!
No sense continuing if you don’t know where you’re heading. Sounds like you have already lost the scholarship- but check on it. Think about finances for future years- you may need to change schools to afford things. Better to “quit while you’re ahead” instead of sinking further and not only have a poor record but wasting time and money without direction. You need to want to learn to do well and need to know what is offered in your classes to become proficient in whatever you do. Good luck. btw- how are your parents reacting to this?
No need to wait tables. Nursing homes are ALWAYS looking for people, and will pay to put you through a CNA program while you get your feet wet. Working at a nursing home is a trial by fire. At the end, you’ll know for sure whether you want to go into medicine or not.
Another good option for you would be a supportive job in a hospital…housekeeping, delivering trays, being an orderly, etc. Or a Home Health Aid (if you have a decent reliable car).
Basic EMT programs are quick and dirty and can be accomplished at night at community college if you’re a bit of an adrenaline junkie. Ask to ride along at your local ambulance company.
Office work for a hospital or family practice. Being a medical assistant for a big practice. There are a lot of entry level support jobs in medicine that you really don’t need certification for.
Best wishes.
^^^ Excellent advice!!!
If you don’t feel motivated to be in school by all means leave. You do not have to return to the same school: there are online, distance, continuing ed, degree completion and adult learner programs available to you at any time.
Physician’s assistant programs are extremely competitive, as are nursing programs.
If you get a CNA often a hospital will train you to do EKG’s and other procedures. ER’s often need volunteers. Red Cross offers a CNA program for under $1,000.
I did EMT training eons ago and it was interesting and useful for many different jobs. Ambulance isn’t the only one.
On the other hand, it is good to realize that you don’t have to know your future career while at college. You may need that external motivator, but you can major in anything that interests you and worry about career/job when you graduate. Volunteering, interning and working while in school- or out- can help clarify too.
It sounds to me like a break is a good idea. There is no hurry to return and you can do school in many ways on many timetables should you decide to return.