Benefits and Loss of Taking a Year Gap Between High School and College
Posted on: 17 December 2022, By : Sourav Dey (Academic Counsellor)
What is Year Gap?
A year gap is a full year of experiential learning typically taken between completion of high school and college enrolment.Year gaps are designed to provide students a vacation from academics so they can reflect on their educational and professional goals and take time to learn more about themselves.
In past Indian students do not consider it as an option due to several reasons such as visa restrictions, access to funds, financial dependence on parents, etc. But now in India, things have changed and that’s why the thinking of students has also changed with their aspiration, access to funds and also todays internet are also helping in changing their prospective on this point.
Now let’s discuss what are the benefits and loss of taking a Year Gap
After 14 years of long duration of schooling life everyone needs a break from study. This is main reason of year Gapping a but it doesn’t mean you can relax, in this gap you can do many types of extra curriculums like summer camps, any type of short terms courses and many more. So, now I will tell you some benefits of taking a year Gap .
1. You get to take jobs for a trail run
At this period of time you can do a part time job field so that you can get the knowledge and experience about which is jobs suits you. In this Internship programs offers you the chance to look out what certain career looks like in real world. You’ll get an experience and also be mentored by the professional who can teach you about what it’s really like in their chosen way.
But before choosing make sure that you interest in that area.
2. A year gap is good for your resume
Taking a year gap between high school and college admission doesn’t mean that your education has also getting halted. This year gap is an opportunity for you to expand your knowledge and enhance your skills.
In this year gap you do many type of short term courses like computer courses, programming languages and many more.
Additionally, gaining knowledge about other cultures and nations fosters independence, tolerance, and empathy. No matter what industry you work in, these are all desirable traits.
3. A Year Gap will prepare you for College
College going big step of your career. A year gap can equip you with all the skills you need to help you cope with these changes.
Through year gap programs, you’ll find yourself in new social situations. Managing uncomfortable social situations, meeting new people, coping with language barriers, and having to find your way around unfamiliar places – it’s all good practice for when you go to college or take the next step in life.
After telling you the benefits of Year Gap, now I will tell you about the loss of year gap.
1. You'll be ‘pausing’ your studies or traditional job for a year
If a year gap then, your friends will immediately move on to the college and start their career. So they will be climbing the ladder one step before you. So before selecting a year gap think about the opportunity loss associated with it.
However, you can easily cover them up if you are not ‘wasting your time’ as you are still learning.
2. There are financial and personal risk
In every decision there always be a risk present, so never neglect the risk in any decision.Budgeting, planning, and seeking assistance as needed are all necessary for risk mitigation. For most, the benefits of a year gap far outweigh the risks, but whether that is true for you depends on your unique circumstances.Joining and travelling with a year gap programme is one approach to help reduce some anxiety and danger.
3. There's the potential to waste a lot of time
When you decide to a break from the continues schedule of your study, it is more important that you know what you have to do. Because if you start thinking what to do after taking the break, it will huge waste of time. So before planning will help you to set your goals within your timeline.
Conclusion
While we are aware that most Indian students don't follow a natural path, taking a year off is rather unconventional. We feel that there are several tangible and intangible benefits if it is done well with planning.
