<p>I've been planning to go to college after high school for as long as I can remember, I never really gave it a second thought until quite recently, when I started hearing about students taking a "Gap Year" in between high school and college. At first I dismissed it, but I've been thinking and it actually doesn't seem like such a bad idea. I've worked myself extremely hard in high school to get into a good college (and I've gotten into several as it turns out!), and break before delving into college doesn't seem like a bad idea after all...Now I don't see myself spending 4 months in rural Africa with AIDS victims or traveling the world from one corner to the other like some gappers, I would envision my gap year to be something more along the lines of a full time job to make a decent amount of money to pay for tuition and an internship or two at in one or two areas that interest me to check out careers...maybe a bit of travel but nothing excessive. From anyone's experience, does this sound like a good idea or a bad idea? I know some people worry about "getting off the train"- frankly, I don't think that's an issue for me, as I've been driven my entire life and I know I have to eventually get my degree to get what I want in life. Still, gap year anyone? Yes? No?</p>
<p>Gap years are always good. Just make sure you fill your time with worthwhile causes that and activities that still demonstrate your passion. </p>
<p>A productive gap year is great, a lazy one is terrible.</p>
<p>Can you defer your admission? If so, then what do you have to lose? </p>
<p>If not, you need to consider that you will have to go through the entire application process again.</p>
<p>I wouldn't do it. There will be opportunities for you later on to get internships, etc. during sumer/winter breaks. Also, you will be able to get better positions/internships as a college student than a high school graduate. You can choose to take one or two semesters off from college later on as well, if you want. Besides, for the purpose of the getting a rest, you have 3 months of summer to chill and your final months at your h.s. should be a breeze by now. Taking a gap yr between hs and college seems like not the best use of your time.</p>
<p>If you are driven, you will probably regret taking the gap year. Right now, you don't have any firm plans for it, but you do have college acceptances. If you had something significant to do with the year, fine. But most people will end up working a boring job, making money, but not a huge amount, missing friends, and trying to do something worthwhile with their non-working hours. I would say that it's almost too late to plan a good gap year. You could do it, but it would not be easy, especially if you need to make money rather than spend it.</p>
<p>wow, I am in the exact same position. I've been admitted to several wonderful schools, but now the thought of attending one of those schools in a few months isn't as appealing as it once was. Have you looked into Americorps? It's like the Peacecorps, but it's based in the U.S. and a college degree isn't necessary. I'm researching volunteer opportunities right now. You could probably find something local, if you are interested in volunteering</p>
<p>interesting article: <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2006/09/03/college/coll03gap.html?_r=1&pagewanted=2&oref=slogin%5B/url%5D">http://www.nytimes.com/2006/09/03/college/coll03gap.html?_r=1&pagewanted=2&oref=slogin</a>
a gap year is what you make of it - it can be lazy, or it can be a learning experience</p>
<p>S, 20, did a gap year living at home and working fulltime as an Americorps volunteer, something he greatly enjoyed since he loves doing community service.</p>
<p>Americorps allows you to handle as much responsibility as you are capable of doing, and it also gives you training in financial management, grant writing, time management, and other things that will help one longterm including in whatever future career one enters.</p>
<p>S's gap year helped him realize more what his own strengths and interests are, and after behaving like a full adult for a year (including serving on boards where he was the youngest person present), he wasn't tempted when he want to college to run wild doing the silly things that many frosh do that cause them embarrassment and grade problems.</p>
<p>The skills he honed during Americorps not only helped him obtain an excellent gpa in college, but he also was able to take on leadership roles in some organizations, including facilitating some leadership workshops for them.</p>
<p>I agree, too, with what violet said: a gap year can be a learning experience or a lazy one. I know one guy who spent his gap year just staying home playing video games.</p>