<p>I'm currently a sophomore in high school and plan on studying abroad either my senior year or taking a gap year. I'm not sure which I'd like to do, because there are obvious benefits and negatives for each. </p>
<p>I'd like to do senior year because
-I feel like a Gap Year would be "Too Late"
-I think A Gap Year experience would be less School-Oriented and more like a mission trip.</p>
<p>I'd like to do a gap year because
-I obviously don't want to miss senior year, arguably the best part of High School.
-It would be a nice "Break" from regular school
-It would make applying to colleges a lot easier</p>
<p>Any opinions from anyone who's done either or would just like to share? Finance isn't really a factor.</p>
<p>From what you’ve written, it sounds like a gap year would be the best choice for your situation. I’m a big advocate of studying abroad, but I also think our senior year of High School is a very fun time that you wouldn’t want to miss years down the road (especially with studying abroad now a great option in college too).</p>
<p>Though taking a gap year is extremely common in Europe, one of the reasons I believe it is less popular in the US is health insurance. You need to check whether you will still be covered by your parent’s insurance if you are 18 and not in education.</p>
<p>I’m not sure a gap year would make applying for college easier - possibly it would make it harder. It would be easier to apply when you are still in high school and have access to a guidance counsellor and supportive teachers. You could then ask a college which accepts you if they would defer your admission for a year while you take a gap year.</p>
<p>Thanks for the replies.</p>
<p>Cupcake, I believe have to get separate insurance through most programs, anyways, but it’s not to expensive. Also, you said the a gap year could make it harder to apply, but I’d apply my senior year and then defer if possible, so I would have the counselors, etc.</p>
<p>Any other comments / input?</p>