The advantages and disadvantages of taking a gap year

Advantages :

Main idea 1 : (become more focused) The gap year assists you in identifying what exactly is your direction in your process of studying at university

Some people find it extremely difficult to define themselves and to find out their interests after graduating from highschool , the consequence of heading off to university without considering carefully is unexpectedly severe because the major they have chosen may not be suitable with either their personality or their interest . According to the research carried out in New York , drop-out rate from university is around 10 percent less in those children taking a year off in comparison with other students who headed straight to university after finishing highschool . Gap year is the time where you spend figuring out your strength then choose the right major to develop it .

Main idea 2 : ( enriching life experience) A gap year provides you access to a wide range of life experiences and valuable lessons through social activities

Students can spend that one year engaging in some social activities which will arm themselves with knowledge about social and help them become more independent so that they can use them as a basic foundation to develop themselves in college . For example , being involved in volunteer activities means getting to know more about circumstances of the poor and showing compassion for them , taking part in part-time job can help them learn how to create a better life balance and manage their finance , joining in boy or girl scouts means being away from parents which can greatly gain their sense of independence and also improving their physical heath

Main idea 3 : the funds you get from working in a gap year can help you take the financial pressure of your mind and your shoulder

A gap year is the time you spend working as an amateur employee for any jobs to put by and contribute to university’s tuition fee and the cost of living . University is undoubtedly expensive so there is no question of students not having a year off to collect money so that you can reduce the stress of your family in terms of financial burden and be more confident in university without minding the expensive fee . An interview done by an American professor has proved that students spending a gap year working part-time have more experiences in managing finance and they are also free from financial pressure compared to others

Disadvantages

Main idea 1 : students taking a year off will be a year behind on academic

Entering university for the first time after spending 1 year exploring your strength and weakness means having to take a course where most of your classmates are 1 year younger than you , for some people , it can be extremely daunting and depressing to witness their younger peers outperforming them . In addition , once you get out of the studying environment , it will be really hard to get back to the same routine and get used to it .

Main idea 2 : The budget you spend to invest in your gap year can be expensive

Whatever you do in your gap year can be costly so you need to take your available budget into consideration to see if it is enough for you to take part in any kind of activities , If you plan on travelling oversea for real-life experience and language , your expenses may be on higher side , if you intend to participate in any course for skills and know-how then you might have to consider the expensive fee . Moreover , striking a balance between the fee and the day-to-day cost can be a matter too .