<p>I am interested in taking a year off between high school and college. I know most of the pro's (I just put in the title in case anyone wanted to add some input), but what are the cons of it? Does it disqualify me from scholarships? </p>
<p>Also, what could I do during the year off that would be low-cost besides community service? And another question, could I move to say, Michigan, North Carolina, or California, live there for a year, and qualify for instate tuition?</p>
<p>edit: oh, and to the mod: if this is in the wrong section, feel free to move it</p>
<p>PROS:
-Employers tend to admire gap years because they develop "soft skills" (work ethic, humility, social skills, etc.)
-You can make money to help pay for college (if you were to work during a gap year).
-Plenty of time for soul searching and figuring out what you want in life.</p>
<p>CONS:
-You don't get that initial college experience that your friends do.
-After a year off from school, it may be hard to get back into the swing of things.</p>
<p>As for instate tuition, I think they require 2 years in most states...I'm not quite sure.</p>
<p>Agree with World ^^^^, except that it usually takes a year for residency, and parents cannot claim you on their taxes. Thus, besides volunteering, you'd need to get a part-time job at least--unless cost is not a consideration.</p>
<p>One of my friends took a dream job during her gap year. She made a good deal of money and was able to take a deep breath from school.</p>
<p>If you think you want to take a gap year, take one. It's silly to waste money on college unless you are going to appreciate the fact that you're there and not fantasizing about swimming with dolphins in Tahiti.</p>
<p>Both my school and my friend's school are extremely flexible with gap-yearers and have a lot of students who take them.</p>
<p>I took 4 years off after high school... Ok maybe not "years off" since i had no plans of going to college. Though i was living at home so i just worked a TON and saved all my money. Then when i decided to start going back to community college i was able to pay for the entire thing myself without having to work while in school. I think taking some time off to have enough "spending" money so you don't have to juggle a job and school work is a good choice. In addition you will be more mature and have aged a bit past your peers. I love being 24 in college with 19 year olds, while not always the case... but generally there is a big gap between someone who graduated high school 1-2 years ago, versus myself who graduated 6 years ago... just in terms of maturity and life expierences.</p>
<p>I strongly support taking some time off, just make sure you don't get yourself in a situation where you can't go back (Like finicial burden)... It's kinda slippery slope type of deal.</p>
<p>And IsleBoy, I do volunteer work since high school... actually, in my gap year I didn't change my ECs... I just added some activities that I wasn't able to do during high school!</p>
<p>Take a yr off. To garner residency hough you often these days have to do more than just live there, like work, own property, be divorced from you parent's $$$, etc.</p>