ESSAY

Should high school students consider taking a gap year? Taking a gap year can provide
students with valuable life experiences that can help them grow and mature before starting
university.

One reason why high school students should take a gap year is that it allows them to gain
valuable life experiences outside the classroom. A study by the American Gap Association
found that students who took a gap year reported higher levels of personal growth and the
development of new skills. Harvard admissions officer, Fitzsimmons, has stated that gap
year students often bring a new perspective and maturity to the college environment.

Another reason why high school students should take a gap year is that it can help them
clarify their goals and interests. By taking a break from academic pressures, students can
explore different career paths and interests. Andrew Belasco, CEO of College Transitions,
explains that a gap year can be a time for students to reflect on their values and
aspirations, leading to a more focused and informed decision when choosing a college.

Some may argue that taking a gap year can delay the completion of a college degree and
lead to a loss of academic momentum. However, research conducted by the Gap Year
association shows that students who take a gap year have higher GPAs and are more likely
to graduate on time compared to those that don't. Additionally, the experience gained
during the gap year can often provide students with unique skills and perspectives that can
enhance their academic performance in college.

In conclusion, high school students should seriously consider taking a gap year before
beginning college to gain valuable life experiences, clarify their goals, and ultimately
enhance their academic succes. By taking a gap year, students can enter college with
renewed sense of purpose and a greater understanding of themselves and the world
around them. Taking a year off may just be the best decisionthey can make for their future.
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PROS
Fitzsimmons, has stated that gap year students often bring a new perspective and maturity
to the college environment

Taking a year-long break from your studies gives you the chance to reflect on what you

really love to do. You could spend your time pursuing hobbies and interests that are often

neglected in favor of studying – as a result, you might even discover that you want to go

down a totally different path.

Andrew Belasco, CEO of College Transitions, explains that a gap year can be a time for
students to reflect on their values and aspirations, leading to a more focused and informed
decision when choosing a college.

University life is an undeniably expensive one, there’s no denying it. Therefore, there’s
certainly no shame in spending your gap year working to gather funds that can help with

your living costs whilst at university. It can help you to feel much more confident about

going off to live independently for the very first time, taking a huge financial pressure off

your shoulders.

CONS
“You risk losing your academic momentum.” -THE SCHOLARSHIP HUB

The best-case scenario for taking a year-long break from your studies is returning to them

feeling refreshed and motivated. The worst-case scenario is that you lose academic

momentum completely. The last thing you want is for your transition back into your studies

to be a difficult one – so you really should consider whether taking such a long break is

something that will work for you personally.

“You'll be ‘pausing’ your studies or traditional job for a year” -GO OVERSEAS

As your friends immediately move on to college, or to their next semester, or your

colleagues have another year of ‘climbing the ladder,’ it is important to recognize the

opportunity cost associated with intentional time off. What you spend your time doing

during your gap year, however, can quickly make up for the apparent ‘time lost’ as you are

still learning, growing, and working towards your goals, just through new and exciting

means.