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Student Life

Trust Me, You Won't Miss Gaps By Taking a 'Gap Year'

High school seniors, if you're not quite sure about going straight into college, let me assure you that taking a gap year is such a good idea and it will allow you to be more successful in college once you do go!

Toni McClain

Sep 02, 2019

Arizona State University

Trust Me, You Won't Miss Gaps By Taking a 'Gap Year'

Photo by Toni McClain

Before my senior year of high school, I thought the idea of taking a gap year was ridiculous. I did not struggle in school, I wanted to be at college more than anything and I felt like if I ended up taking a year off that I would never go back. However, I totally proved myself wrong and now I am way more excited to be at school and learn than ever before. If you're considering taking a gap year, you absolutely should and here's why!

You can give yourself a well-deserved break from school.

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You just spent the last 12+ years going to school every year, let yourself breathe a little bit! Your brain will thank you.

It’s the perfect time to travel!

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There are tons of gap year travel programs you can sign up for, but if you're on a budget then you have so much time to work until you can afford to go somewhere epic!

College is expensive, so why waste your money taking classes if you don’t even know what you want to do?

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If you're in between majors or literally have no idea what you want to do when you grow up, then take a year to figure it out. I guarantee you'll learn more about yourself during your gap year than you would at a university.

Working a full time job definitely makes you a lot more mature and responsible.

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Plus, you're going to make tons of money. Who doesn't love money?

It’s a great chance to build up your resume.

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Do some volunteer work, try out a few jobs or internships, or do traveling volunteer activity. Colleges and jobs would love to see this out of young people.

Didn’t get into the schools you wanted? That’s okay!

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Try re-applying during your gap year. This is a second chance for you to win them over with new essays and a more well-rounded and better-presented application.

Spend some time with your family.

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Watching children move away from home is one of the hardest things parents ever go through, but most of them would love to spend just one more year with their kids!

Take some time to find a new hobby or skill.

Photo by Toni McClain

In your newly found free time on your gap year, you could learn to paint, start going on runs or get a new furry friend. The possibilities are endless!

Give yourself some time to relax and be stress free.

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High school might have been very stressful for you. Between homework, sports, work, school, clubs, whatever you did, treat yourself quite a bit with removing the stress from your life

You won’t be hating school once you go back.

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Take it from me, I am just starting up my freshman year after taking a gap year. I have never felt readier to learn, succeed and follow my dreams than ever!

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