Gap Years And Student Loans: Exploring Deferred Repayment Options

Gap Years And Student Loans: Exploring Deferred Repayment Options – Many students take a gap year to focus on travel, work and self-discovery. But is it worth it? Discover the pros and cons of taking a gap year.

Mikael Mulugeta has worked as an editor and writer covering university life, internships and student debt. He holds a BA in English and an MA in Strategic Communication from the University of Iowa. Mikael Mulugeta is a former c…

Gap Years And Student Loans: Exploring Deferred Repayment Options

Hannah Muniz is a senior editor with , specializing in college planning, test prep, student life, and sponsored content. She previously worked as a freelance writer and wrote articles on SAT/ACT, higher education, language learning, …

Gap Year Benefits Your Future Self Will Thank You For

Stephanie DeBord has spent the past seven years advising students in various capacities. She currently helps undeclared/exploratory students navigate the college experience, explore program options, and map out degree plans. Her background and expertise…

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Taking a gap year after high school is becoming more and more popular, and many colleges are now encouraging students to do so. Some proponents even argue that a gap year, or a service year before entering college, should be mandatory for all students!

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Despite the benefits of taking a gap year, many students do not fully understand the concept of a gap year. You might think it means traveling aimlessly and wasting time – but that’s a common misconception.

So what exactly is a gap year? And what are the pros and cons of taking a gap year?

A gap year is when you take a year off, usually between high school and college. So instead of starting college the fall after you graduate high school, you would start the following fall.

Gap years are meant to give students a break from academia. It is usually a time of self-discovery and thinking about what kind of education and career you want to pursue.

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A gap year can take many forms. For example, you can work on a job, complete an internship, volunteer or travel. You can do these activities independently or as part of a gap year program.

In one survey, the two most common reasons students gave for taking a gap year before college were to recover from academic burnout and to learn more about themselves.

A gap year not only gives you time to recharge and refocus, but also allows you to learn more about yourself on your own terms.

Research on the benefits of a gap year has led schools such as Harvard University, New York University and MIT to encourage students to take one.

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Many colleges even allow accepted applicants to defer their admission for a year so they can take a gap year.

Some colleges go a step further and offer university-sponsored gap year programs. For example, Princeton University offers incoming students the opportunity to enroll in a nine-month tuition-free service program.

While many students can benefit from taking a gap year after high school, the path is not for everyone. Here are some gap year pros and cons to consider before making a decision.

The clarity gained by taking a gap year before college can positively impact your academic performance. Research shows that those who take a gap year are more likely to graduate in four or fewer years compared to the national average of six years.

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The time spent reflecting and learning about potential paths can also help you make a more informed decision when choosing a major.

An unstructured gap year can open the door to wasting time and losing academic momentum. While gap year programs can provide structure and motivation, if you plan to explore on your own for part or all of your gap year, be sure to clearly set goals you can achieve.

Worst case scenario for a gap year? You stop your academic momentum to play video games, watch TV and lounge around the house.

You can use your gap year to develop any number of important life skills. This could mean learning a language while living in another country, honing communication and leadership skills while working on a service project, or gaining practical experience through a job or internship.

Reasons To Take A Gap Year Before College

College can be incredibly expensive, and a gap year can appeal to students who are afraid of spending their time in college too poorly until they’ve figured out a clear direction for themselves.

On the other hand, gap year programs and trips abroad are also typically expensive endeavors. Make sure you understand the potential cost of your trip or program as well as any hidden expenses.

Traveling and living abroad during your gap year can be a transformative experience. Immersing yourself in a new culture, learning a language, and seeing the world from a different perspective can help you discover your passions and purpose.

Seeing friends go to college and go through similar experiences at the same time can increase FOMO. Likewise, knowing that you’ll be going through these experiences a year behind your peers can make you feel like you’re falling behind.

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While these feelings are understandable, remember that a year too late won’t hurt your career path. You’ll get to experience college the same way when you eventually start school again.

A productive gap year is a great time to engage in resume building. Learning a skill, gaining work experience in your field, studying a language or spending months learning about a specific subject or country can all help your CV stand out.

Spending your gap year off or withdrawing from academic engagement can make your transition back to school difficult.

The best way to avoid this problem is to keep yourself engaged and challenged by material you find interesting. A goal during your gap year should be to acquire a skill or learn about yourself, an academic field or other subject that interests you.

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A gap year is not for everyone. Although popular, gap year programs and international travel can cost a pretty penny. It’s worth considering how a gap year might affect your finances before deciding whether to take one.

Other factors to consider include the types of activities you plan to do during your gap year. It’s best to start your gap year with a strong sense of what you want to explore and learn.

Ask yourself: What goals do you want to achieve before starting college? What can you just do now that you don’t have time to do while at school?

While it’s OK to spend some time, especially at the beginning of your gap year, relaxing and taking a break from school, try not to spend the entire year feeling unfocused and aimless.

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Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide if a gap year is the best approach for you and your goals.

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What is a gap year? Learn more about taking a gap year before university, including the pros and cons of a gap year after high school, how to spend your gap year and finances.

A year-long break from homework, deadlines and exams – if that sounds like a dream come true, you’re not alone. Faced with virtual learning and social distancing, a growing number of Canadian teenagers are taking a break from their post-secondary studies and exploring options outside the classroom. And with more headlines popping up about the fast generation, the high attrition and career burnout, taking a gap year after high school seems like a healthy choice these days.

A Short History Of The Gap Year

Many experts agree that a break between high school and post-secondary education can be beneficial. Even high-profile youngsters, like Malia Obama, are saying goodbye to traditional studies and joining the “real world” instead.

Of course, it’s not as simple as it sounds. To begin with, there are many questions to answer during the planning stage: What should I do during my gap year? How much does a gap year cost to travel? What are the pros and cons of a gap year after high school? A gap year usually requires

So if you’re thinking about taking a gap year, here’s what you need to know about the pros and cons of taking a gap year after high school and how to make the most of your time.

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A gap year

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