<p>Hi. I'm a sophomore college student and am thinking about taking the next semester off. I have consistently done poorly in most of my classes, am not sure what I really want to do, and am not very happy on campus. My gpa is around 2.7, which isn't too bad, but is a stressful burden for me. I am also a little burnt out - I don't know why - it's almost like I can't handle a simple courseload. I have been working small jobs, but I don't think they are the reason. Also, my lack of organization (no matter how hard I try) tends to bite me in the @ss. I feel very very awkward on campus interacting with others and my professors.</p>
<p>I would be interested spending the semester, and summer afterwards, doing a simple internship while following some of my interests. I live at home (and did so for college). I would also travel, volunteer and work on how I interact with others (sounds kind of dumb?). </p>
<p>Is taking a semester off for these reasons and with these goals worth it, or should I just suck it up and do another semester? I think I know the answer but just need some feedback before I approach my parents. Thank you.</p>
<p>ps. Has anyone done this/ have any experiences? Also, when did you meet with your advisor? Thanks.</p>
<p>Taking a leave of absence can be a great move. Many years ago after my sophomore year, I took a leave for a semester at an Ivy and came back a much more focused student. A lot of naysayers said I would never return, but a leave of absence can be a great experience. I needed financial aid at the time and everything was waiting upon my return. Working a job full time and/or volunteering can provide a whole new perspective. I do not believe I would have finished without the LOA. I also love the gap year idea and believe we should encourage more of it here in the US. Good luck with your decision. </p>
<p>Sometimes, a leave of absence is what’s needed to put you on the right track. One of my friends failed her classes this past semester, and she’s taking a leave in the spring and then going back to school in fall 2015. This allows her to work more and save money, and she has extra time to figure out what she really wants to do. She was switching from major to major because she just wasn’t sure.</p>
<p>You probably will face naysayers that will try and tell you that a lot of students don’t return after a leave. Don’t listen to them. You’ll be fine.</p>
<p>I don’t think you should take off from your semester and meet up with your adviser as soon as possible so that they can help you solve your problem and even help you with your study schedule.</p>
<p>Thanks for the suggestions, everyone. I’ve decided to take a leave of absence. My advisor cannot fix my problems. I I would suck it up, but I don’t think I can do another semester now. </p>
<p>If I can remember, I will post my experience here, once I return to school!</p>