Taking a gap semester

<p>I'm planning to withdraw from school the next semester because I have been extremely unmotivated at school and personally I had some personal health problems.
But I don't have any specific plans for my gap semester+summer yet so I was wondering if I could get some perspective of those who have done it like, your plans, budget, or even your parents reaction?
I'm a sophomore right now, and so far my school allows me to be readmit when I want to.</p>

<p>There’s probably no better way to appreciate a college degree or realize what you want out of life than to just spend some time out there in the real world. Definitely figure out a smart way to spend this time, though. Research internships or even entry-level jobs. That way you can decide if what you’re studying in college is what you really want to do. </p>

<p>Another good idea might be to study abroad, if you’re interested in that. </p>

<p>Just make sure you’re doing something. In my opinion taking a year off just to work your basic student job and do nothing else would be miserable. Do something exciting and unique, something that will make a difference in your life.</p>

<p>Make sure you have everything figured out, though. Will this gap year effect any financial aid or scholarships? Will you have trouble getting back into your dorm/off-campus housing? Are you going to miss out on classes only offered once a year, thus putting you even further behind? Might it be worth it to take an online class or two just to stay ahead? Keep in mind any debt you might be accumulating and how this will effect graduation in general. A gap semester is a lot more fun when you can financially afford to do this. If you’re thinking of just working a basic student job- like retail or customer service or something- I feel obligated to warn you that those kind of jobs can get very dull very quickly. I have nothing against them (I work jobs like that myself), but I’m just warning that, depending on what you want to do, a gap semester might not end up being as exciting as you think.</p>

<p>But a gap semester can also completely change how you feel about college. Especially if you’re feeling unmotivated, it might be what will open your eyes and help you realize what you want to get out of college and/or life.</p>