So I’m a rising senior. I plan to apply to colleges in the fall, but recently I’ve started to consider taking a a gap year. I’m curious to hear about everyone’s thoughts/experiences on this.
I plan to study Psych (preferably Developmental and/or Applied) in college, and then work towards a doctorate degree so I can become a licensed counselor. I would also like to join the Peace Corps, preferably between my undergrad and grad school, as I know 90% of positions require a college degree.
I’d like to take a gap year because I have a lot of personal goals, but I’m not sure that I would have the time to do once my career starts picking up momentum. Plus, I’d really like to just get away from everyone I know - and school - for a year. I’m easily stressed so I feel like it would be nice to take a retreat of sorts, or at least have a temporary change of setting. I also once saw a study that showed that students that have taken a gap year are more likely to be happier in college than those who didn’t, which I found interesting.
My biggest question: From my understanding, I can apply to colleges this fall, and if I am accepted I can wait until the following year (Fall 2017) to attend. Am I correct in thinking this? Will taking a gap year affect my financial aid package? My AP credits?
For anyone who’s taken a gap year, or know someone who has taken a gap year: What did you (or they) do? Was it financially feasible? Would you/they do it again?
I do have a few ideas. Because I’m planning on going into the Peace Corps, I think a smaller service opportunity would be nice to have, just to decide if joining the Peace Corps is a commitment I want to make. I’m thinking maybe Americorps, or a service trip from Real Gap. I’ve also really wanted to walk to Camino de Santiago, although I feel like that could easily be done during a summer vacation. I’ve heard of a lot of people getting positive experiences out of house-sitting as well, but I wonder how beneficial that would be, as simply traveling for a year doesn’t appeal to me all that much - I’d rather have something specific to accomplish.
Thanks in advance for your feedback 