10 Exciting Benefits of Taking a Gap Year Before College
If you’ve ever heard the term “gap year,” you know there’s often a stigma attached. Many people believe these rites of passage are excuses for pointless wandering.
However, this stigma couldn’t be more wrong! Gap years are great opportunities to learn about yourself, become more self-sufficient without guidance from parents or your school, and navigate the excitement and confusion of entering the real world.
It’s hard to overstate the benefits of taking a gap year. If you’re considering this type of opportunity, we’re here to break down the biggest perks of taking purposeful time off.
Table of Contents
Take a Break From Academics
If you’ve graduated from high school, you’ve likely spent the last 11-12 years of your life in an academic setting.
For some students, these years can be hectic and overwhelming. Aside from summer breaks, you may have spent the bulk of your time studying. Even high-performing students may experience burnout from competitive pressure!
Worse, with little time to yourself, you may feel as though part of your life has passed you by. How can you be expected to jump into college life, which will mean more academic work, without a break to recharge?
A gap year is a great way to rest, regain some much-needed energy, and even revisit your approach to academics. It also helps you determine your goals and decide how to achieve them without spending thousands on formal studies.
Explore Study and Career Options
College opens up a wealth of opportunities.
Compared with high school, there are countless ways to move forward. You’ll have to choose a major and decide on various career tracks, university options, and much more. For some, these broader opportunities can feel staggering.
If you’re a graduating senior, there’s nothing wrong with feeling unsure of your next steps. After a lifetime spent moving along a single track, the sudden realization that the entire world is open to you can be a lot to deal with! At 18, you may not know exactly where you want your career to go, and there’s nothing wrong with that.
A gap year can be a great way to work out how to shape your future. This rite of passage helps you explore different career paths and opportunities, allowing you to test the waters before taking the plunge.
You may want to try a marketing internship with a local brand, for example, before committing to a four-year marketing and advertising degree. You may want to volunteer at a vet clinic before you sink all your time into applying to vet schools.
You may even prefer exploring work options that wouldn’t necessarily require you to go to college at all. Getting a job or internship for a hands-on career, such as becoming an auto mechanic, may help you pave your way forward.
Gain Life Experience
More than likely, you’ve spent your entire life living at home. While jumping right into college courses is a good way to gain life experience, it won’t always offer the real-world experience you’d enjoy with a gap year. In fact, over 80% of college students wish they’d been taught more life skills before graduating!
Depending on what you decide to do, a gap year can be an enlightening way to explore your independence. If you choose to travel, move away to work, or simply live on your own, you’ll get a wealth of life experience that you wouldn’t enjoy with a university calling the shots.
A gap year allows you to cultivate crucial skills. You’ll have to learn to budget your expenses, manage your time without anyone telling you what to do, and invest in your physical and mental health. You may have to get around in new cities, learn new public transit systems, navigate interpersonal relationships, and even maintain your personal safety.
A lot more goes into living independently than you’d think!
Broaden Your Horizons
There’s no better way to broaden your horizons than traveling during your gap year.
Many people spend their entire lives within one region without venturing far outside of it. While there are some benefits to this, it can create a narrow worldview.
Traveling, on the other hand, lets you experience different people, see fascinating locations, and even expand your knowledge.
Even if you choose to stay in the U.S. during your gap year, there’s a lot to explore! Visit friends and family members in different cities, get an internship across the country, or take a road trip on your own.
Outside the U.S., you’ll have opportunities to learn new languages, meet people from different backgrounds, and much more. Whether you decide to backpack through Europe or take a trip to Japan, the exposure to different viewpoints can be eye-opening.
If you’re nervous about traveling alone, consider joining a group trip! Try teen outdoor adventures to see the beauty the world has to offer with like-minded peers by your side.
Earn Extra Money
Last, but not least, a gap year goes far beyond personal growth. It also helps you save some much-needed cash!
It’s no secret that college can be expensive. On average, you can expect to spend over $10,000 for an in-state college or over $27,000 for an out-of-state option. That’s without factoring in additional fees, the cost of textbooks, room and board, and other expenses.
If you know scholarships aren’t on the table or you don’t think you’ll have enough to cover the cost, a gap year can be a great way to save some money before you head off to college. Saving during this period can help lessen the amount you’ll have to take out for any student loans.
Enjoy the Benefits of Taking a Gap Year
If you’ve been on the fence about this rite of passage, we hope this post has helped you understand the benefits of taking a gap year. Though these experiences aren’t for everyone, they can be a great way to broaden your worldview, prepare yourself for the future, and help you understand who you are and what you want before setting off for college.
Did you enjoy this post? If so, be sure to check out our other guides for additional insights!
Last Updated on March 1, 2024
