Turning 18 is a big deal.
Finally, you’re legally an adult. And, for most people, turning 18 also coincides with the end of high school — and the beginning of college or full-time employment. But not every young person wants to dive right into college or the workforce. Instead, some opt for a gap year, a brief period of time where teens can take a break and reflect on their goals.
But should you take a gap year? Some worry it may set them back academically, while others may have concerns about finances or achieving their goals. Here’s what you should consider to determine if a gap year is the right choice for you.
What Is a Gap Year?
A gap year is a period of time off young people take after finishing high school and before moving on to higher education. Students often take a gap year to get clear on their personal, academic and career goals.
“[The point is] to pursue other meaningful learning experiences, such as traveling, volunteering, paid work, internships, special projects or a combination of these things,” said Dan Phan, the academic program manager for USC Bovard Scholars.
A gap year might not involve academic classes, but it still involves learning — about yourself and what you want for your future. For some young people, it’s also a chance to mentally recharge and reset before taking the next step.
Despite the name, a gap year doesn’t have to be a full year, though. Some people take gap semesters! And while “gap year” typically refers to the period of time people take off before starting college, many young people also opt for a gap year after completing their undergraduate studies and before they begin a graduate program.
So, how does a gap year work if you know college is your next step? Phan advises people to take advantage of their options during the college admissions process.
“Students can apply for college the next available semester, typically fall, and once admitted, they can apply for a gap year directly with the admissions office,” Phan said. “[They can also] wait a year to apply while spending that time in between to experience growth or change, [allowing them] to eventually have more things to write about in the college application essays or share during college interviews.”
What Are the Benefits of a Gap Year?
It’s important to determine what you want to get out of your gap year. A common reason for taking a gap year is to gain more insight into what you’d like to study or what you want your future career to be.
“The upside of taking a gap year is having more time to figure things out before committing to a particular school or decision,” Phan said. “It could be a period of personal growth, allowing opportunities for students to learn about themselves and the world around them, become more independent and develop valuable skill sets. It can be rewarding and successful if planned intentionally, and students remain productive by taking enrichment courses or working before reentering the academic spaces.”
For example, using your gap year to travel can boost your independence. Internships, part-time jobs and volunteering are all great ways to gain more life experience, too.
Plus, not only can these opportunities prepare you for college and illuminate your passions — they can also enhance your resume and make your college application stand out more.
But gap years don’t always have to be about personal growth. Sometimes, young people take a gap year to “rest or recalibrate to avoid burnout,” Phan said. Others need to get jobs in order to save money for school, or have family obligations they need to see through.
What Are the Cons of a Gap Year?
While gap years can be valuable and enriching experiences, they aren’t for everyone. There are some possible downsides to consider before diving into a gap year.
While a year off can be a great way to experience life outside the bubble of school, it can be difficult for some people to readjust when it’s time to get back to studying. They may have lost some knowledge or struggle with academic motivation, making them feel behind in comparison to their peers, Phan said.
“Relearning how to be a student can be challenging for some if they need the structure in place,” Phan said. “They would need to adjust to the rigors of college-level courses and academic writing, tough deadlines and balancing all their academic, social and extracurricular commitments.”
If you struggle with academic life or intrinsic motivation, a gap year may not be worth getting out of your school routine. Plus, some people are uncomfortable with being a little older than their classmates when they head off to school.
But one of the biggest things to take into account before heading off on a gap year is money. Is it financially wise for you to take a year off? Calculate whether you’ll be able to afford this break — and how it will impact your college life down the line.
Can a Gap Year Impact College Acceptance Chances?
However, you shouldn’t worry that a gap year will have an adverse impact on your college admissions process.
“A gap year is neither inherently positive nor negative; its impact depends on how well it is planned and executed,” Phan said.
If you’re using your gap year in a way that will enhance your college application, it can actually help your admissions chances. And even if you’re using it as a period of rest, one year off shouldn’t make much of a difference.
Besides, if you use your gap year to take a pre-college program through a university you’re interested in attending, you might even be able to get a letter of recommendation from a faculty member. And, if you’re interested in pursuing a major like performing arts or architecture, you can intentionally use your gap year to work on your portfolio, boosting your admission chances.
Can You Take a Pre-College Program During a Gap Year?
While there are all sorts of beneficial ways to spend your gap year, some use it as an opportunity for academic enrichment. If that’s the case for you, you may want to consider devoting a portion of your gap year to a pre-college program.
Not only do pre-college programs help clarify if a particular university is the right one for you, they also help you make connections with faculty and fellow students and determine what kind of courses you’d like to take once your gap year is finished.
Want to travel the world while still exploring your academic interests? Some pre-college programs, including those offered by USC, can be taken entirely online. Online pre-college courses are available to students taking gap years and can give you the best of both worlds, allowing you to combine college-level studies with a flexible schedule.
How Should You Spend Your Gap Year?
There are so many things you can do during your gap year. What’s important is that “students can learn and grow intellectually outside of the four-wall classroom,” Phan said.
A gap year can be a time to see the world, an opportunity to make money or a chance to build on your passions and try new things. Some options for your gap year include:
- Full-time or part-time jobs
- Internships
- Pre-college programs
- Volunteer work
- Service programs
- Teaching abroad
- Language immersion programs
- Online courses
- Travel
- Camping and hiking programs
- Personal projects
- Entrepreneurship
- Conferences and workshops
And that’s just scratching the surface! There are so many different things you can do during your gap year. Just keep in mind that while there’s nothing wrong with taking a break, you don’t want to lose any forward momentum and should stay focused on personal growth. And don’t worry, there are plenty of ways to learn during a gap year — so set some intentions and enjoy the journey!
Learn more about USC Pre-College Programs today.