taking a gap year or starting university straight away essay

The Gap Year Essay: Pros and Cons

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Looking for a gap year essay example? This argumentative essay describes all the pros and cons of taking a gap year before college.

Introduction

• Pros of taking a gap year
• Cons of taking a gap year

There is an ongoing debate on whether high school graduates should take a year off (a gap year) before joining college. A gap year is a break from formal education and controlled environment that is otherwise monotonous and exhausting. Gap year is common in European countries and also in Australia and it is quickly catching up in America. It is an idea that even the most prestigious colleges and universities are getting fond of and thus encourage high school leavers to try it out.

Gap Year Pros

After completing high school, students tend to suffer from ‘information overload’ and exhaustion (Naomi, 2008). A year off may be helpful to such a person who has had an academic burnout and can use some time out to ‘recharge his or her academic battery’. The gap year will present the student with a chance to refresh his system and get a renewed energy which he will use to face the next phase of education.

Another reason as to why taking a year off is important is the fact that the person is able to build on some self confidence and their maturity level. Even top level universities are encouraging school leavers to take a year off since they reckon that those who do so, bring good values to the institution since they have had a taste of ‘outside life’ and will have a serious perspective towards life.

It is believed that those who take a gap year will be more focused and ready to face the more taxing institution of higher education. It is usually encouraged that students taking the gap year do so in a manner that will help them add some experience in a working environment while earning some money. They may also look for an internship which will help them have a feel of an organization and how it operates thus the student will make their curriculum vitae more appealing (William, 2000).

A gap year also offers chance for the high school leaver to do a thorough university search where he will look for the right institution that offers the course that he wants to engage himself in. The year off presents the school leaver with a chance to find the academic forte that he is most comfortable with. While enjoying a gap year, the school leaver will decide on what he or she wants to major in and this in turn will help them become more focused when joining university.

A school leaver may also spend his gap year travelling around hence broadening his horizon. By travelling abroad, the school leaver may discover new talents, gain new skills, learn new languages and visit various historical sites and this will help him have a diverse and broader perspective of life and thus make him more serious and focused when he gets to university.

Travelling abroad will also help the school leaver mingle with people of different races and cultures, a factor that helps them understand and appreciate diversity. This turns out to be very helpful to the high school leaver since he will encounter a multiracial and multicultural environment in the university and can therefore easily adapt, settle and start learning (Shellenbarger, 2010)).

A high school leaver who takes a gap year has a better chance of handling the peer pressure in the university. Because the high school leaver who was previously under the careful watch of his parents, will now be left on his own and thus the leaver who enjoyed his gap year travelling or being on an attachment will have built his self confidence and hence will tend to fight off peer pressure unlike the school leaver who joins university immediately where he will be hit by the reality of ‘first true freedom’ (World Inhabit, 2007).

Gap Year Cons

Besides the fact that taking a gap year will help to refresh the school leaver’s system, the gap year may also turn out to be disastrous towards the student and his career. This usually happens when the high school leaver fails to plan properly his schedule for the year off. Mostly, the high school leavers will waste a whole year and may not gain any helpful experience.

A mismanaged gap year may turn out to be too expensive to the high school leaver and, hence, deplete resources leaving him with insufficient funds to join university. Taking a gap year may result in a higher university budget as tuition fees tend to increase annually. William (2000) notes that “engaging in a gap year may result in the student missing a slot in the university especially in courses that are competitive”.

Also taking a year off may at times make the student lose momentum on studying and this may cause him a drop out of college or take a longer time to complete his course than expected. A gap year may lead to the high school leaver being demoralized by trailing his fellow classmates during the whole year (Sanjou, 2008).

A person who takes a gap year may fail to develop good skills and habits that may affect and help in his career and consequently fail to fit in the taxing university environment. A high school leaver who takes a gap year may enjoy real freedom having a time of his life and may find it very difficult to come in terms with reality that may end up by failing to join the university (Eunson, 2008).

Taking a year off may consequently lead to a delay in the beginning of a person’s career which means that the person will start earning at a later stage in life than he was supposed to. Also there are companies which plan trips for the school leavers thus reducing their level of self responsibility and thus don’t help build self confidence since they plan everything for the school leavers who should instead be doing things on their own to help build their confidence (College Confidential, 2010).

A high school graduate should consider the options he or she has when choosing whether or not to take up a gap year. The individual through numerous consultations with his parents, school counselors and sponsors should weigh between the pros and cons of taking up a gap year or not.

Ultimately, the decision lies in the high school leaver’s hands. This means that should the school leaver decide that he needs a break from academic pressure, he should ensure that he spends his gap year productively in a manner that will help boost his career path. A year off that is well spent by the school leaver can help boost a person’s confidence and maturity level. He will have a broader perspective of life and hence will give the university the seriousness it deserves once he gets enrolled.

Many universities in Europe and currently in the United States have come to appreciate the importance of taking a year off. Reports made by a number of university deans show that most people who take a gap year before joining university usually have a higher degree of seriousness, maturity and understanding than those who join university immediately after high school.

College Confidential. (2010). Pros and Cons of Gap Year . Web.

Eunson, B. (2008). Communicating in the 21st century 2nd edition . New York: John Wiley.

Naomi, G. (2008). The college gap year. Advantages and disadvantages of taking a gap year. CA: Sage.

Sanjou .G. (2008). Taking a year off is advantageous . New York: John Wiley.

Shellenbarger, S. ( 2010). Delaying College to Fill in the Gaps . Wall Street Journal.

William, F. (2000). Time out or Burn Out for the Next generation. New York, NY: McGraw Hill/Irwin.

World Inhabit. (2007). The Advantages and Disadvantages of Taking a Gap Year. Web.

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IvyPanda. (2018, October 17). The Gap Year Essay: Pros and Cons. https://ivypanda.com/essays/gap-year/

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• B2 Taking a Gap Year

For this essay, you are asked the following question about taking a gap year:

Is it better taking a gap year or start university straight away?

Notes: 1. Going straight into university 2. Experiences during a gap year 3. Benefits taking a gap year

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You are required to produce two pieces of writing. The first piece is compulsory and will be an essay of 140-190 words. For the second, you can choose from an article, email/letter, essay, review or report (B2 First for schools the report is replaced with a story) of 140-190 words.

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B2 Speaking Part 1 Exercise 1 B2 Speaking Part 1 Exercise 2 B2 Speaking Part 1 Exercise 3

In this part, you talk about two photos on your own which you have to compare for about 1 minute . After you have finished, your partner will be asked a short question about your photo. When your partner has spoken about their photos for about 1 minute , you will be asked a question about their photos.

B2 Speaking Part 2 Exercise 1

In this part you express ideas with your partner by looking at a discussion point that the examiner gives you.

This will be available soon.

In this part, you focus on general aspects of a topic with the examiner or you may involve your partner.

In this part, you will hear people talking in eight different situations.

Entertainment Short Conversations Talking about Sports

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In this part, you will hear five people talking about different things.

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In this part, you will hear an interview.

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Cambridge English exams are designed for learners at all levels from the pre-intermediate level Cambridge English: Key (KET) to the very advanced level Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE). These exams give candidates proof of their ability to use English in a wide variety of contexts, relevant to work, study and leisure activities.

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Pros and Cons of Taking a Gap Year Before College

A gap year is a period of time between high school and college when students take a break from their studies to pursue other activities, which could include travel, work or volunteering. Although interest in taking a gap year has risen, the COVID-19 pandemic makes it a complicated decision.

We spoke with Dr. Adam Weyhaupt, Vice President for Academic Affairs at Fontbonne, and Mary Giunta, College and Career Counselor at Affton High School , about the pros and cons students should consider before taking a gap year.

Why are more students considering taking a gap year this fall?

Although some colleges and universities have announced plans to hold classes on campus in the fall, many uncertainties involving the coronavirus, schooling and large gatherings remain.

“The future is largely unknown,” Giunta said. “Some students are thinking about taking a gap year because they don’t know what will happen this upcoming semester.”

Other students are reluctant to take classes exclusively online.

“The experiences students had this spring varied greatly,” Weyhaupt said. “Some high schools did a great job transitioning their students to online classes, while others struggled. The students who had a negative experience might not want to go through that again.”

How can students benefit from taking a gap year?

For many students, a gap year offers the opportunity to gain skills and experiences while also providing time to reflect and focus on what they want to do next.

“The gap year can be a great time to not only find yourself and try something new, but also prepare for college ,” Giunta said. “Students use the time to volunteer, work or take on an internship to figure out what they are passionate about and what they want to get out of their future careers.”

Other students understand that after they graduate college and start a job, they may never have another chance to take a whole year to expand their horizons.

“For some, this is the ideal point to do things they might not be able to do later in life, such as going abroad or even spending quality time with their families,” Weyhaupt said.

What are some potential drawbacks?

Taking a gap year not only means you start college a year late, but also that you finish college a year late, postponing pursuit of your career .

“One of the biggest negatives is lost earning potential,” Weyhaupt said. “Delaying even one year of increased wages from having a college degree will have a cumulative effect over your lifetime.”

Students who decide to take a gap year could also lose academic momentum.

“After high school, you are accustomed to going to class, studying, taking tests and writing papers,” Weyhaupt said. “Your study skills could suffer if they are not used for a year.”

Students should also consider the ways COVID-19 could impact their gap year plans.

“Many international borders remain closed, and jobs and internships are harder to come by,” Giunta said. “The coronavirus has placed significant limitations on what students can do and accomplish during their gap years.”

Are there any alternatives?

There are myriad options for students who are not sure if a gap year is right for them, but who are also hesitant to start college full-time.

“Taking only a few courses per semester allows students to try college while also giving them the flexibility to work, volunteer or travel,” Weyhaupt said. “There are some extremely engaging online courses students can pursue, and many universities will have extensive face to face options available for students.”

What advice would you give to students considering a gap year?

According to Giunta, the most important factor in choosing to take a gap year is making a plan of action.

“Figure out what you want to learn and experience,” Giunta said. “Do you plan to travel, volunteer or work? Whatever you decide to do, set a goal, draft an actionable plan for how to accomplish it, and stick to it.”

Weyhaupt suggests students do their research before making a choice.

“Think carefully, and go into it with your eyes wide open,” Weyhaupt said. “Understand the pros and cons of taking a gap year, and don’t assume things will be like they were in the spring. Responsible schools have spent many months planning to ensure the fall semester goes as smoothly as possible.”

Looking for more tips? Check out our other resources!

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Search the site, search suggestions, should you consider taking a gap year.

Taking a year off from school can seem a bit intimidating. However, taking a gap year between high school and college was an integral part of my journey to college, and it could be a part of yours as well!

Gap years are becoming increasingly more common for graduating high school students. They can be invaluable opportunities to work, travel, learn, and grow.

What did I get up to on my gap year?

During the summers that flanked my year off I worked as a camp counselor. I had worked at the camp throughout high school so it felt comfortable to start and end my time off with something familiar. However, going into my gap year I had no idea what I was going to do during the school season. I knew that I wanted to travel, but I didn’t have the money to do so. So the first thing I did was look for a job close to home. I ended up working part time in a Wegmans bakery and as a nanny for a local family. During the seven months that I worked, I was researching and planning a two month (self funded) trip through western Europe for myself and a friend. In late March, we left our jobs (with advance notice to our employers) and set off for the trip of a lifetime! We visited Dublin, Madrid, Barcelona, Paris, Amsterdam, Edinburgh, Cardiff, and London. We stayed in a combination of Hostels and friends' homes. It was so much fun to explore new places and meet new people. It was such a transformative experience! 

How do you know if a gap year is the right choice for you? 

Consider the following questions when deciding whether a gap year would be a good option for you.

Do you need a break?

Many of us work our butts off during high school to be the best we can be, and that can be tiring. Occasionally, students who graduate from high school and go directly to college might feel burnt out. This feeling is more common than many students realize, and it is completely valid! You can take time off from school to reflect on your goals and interests, focus on your health, and/or gain experience in environments different from a classroom. It is not a race to graduate. This information from Harvard's Admissions Office might be helpful to you as you consider a gap year: . 

Me receiving my high school diploma

Do you feel like you need time to mature?

College is a place to learn, grow, and gain maturity. However, it does require a certain level of maturity and independence going in as well. If you find yourself depending on others (such as your parents) to be responsible for you, you may consider using a gap year to practice maturity and independence. 

Do you wish you had more money?

Gap years can be used to work a full-time job or to take on an internship. It’s okay to simply use your time off from school to work and make money if it will help lighten the burden of your financial responsibilities. Additionally, just because you work doesn’t mean you can’t have fun during your gap year. (I did both!)

My best friend Sam in my Wegmans work uniform

Would you like hands-on experience before getting to college?

Working a job in a field that you are interested in studying, such as government, marketing, medicine, or business can be a valuable way to gain experience. Internships and volunteer positions can also be great ways to get hands-on experience. 

Do you have a skill you want to hone?

Some of my friends used their gap years to write and perform music, work as photographers, or to compete in various national and global competitions! Some people use their gap years to further explore their interests by taking courses in subjects that they might not have been exposed to during high school. (However, please know that, if you're an incoming Harvard student, you're not allowed to fully enroll in any other college during your gap year; also, none of the courses you take during your gap year will be eligible for transfer credits). You could look into your local community center to see if they offer any adult education courses; I briefly took a sewing course at a local craft store.

Do you want to travel?

While you can certainly travel during college through study abroad programs, sometimes it’s nice to travel without having to worry about doing your homework at the end of the day. Traveling during time off from school allows you to be a true tourist and to take advantage of many different opportunities. That being said, if you do not want to travel just as a tourist, you can often travel and do amazing work at the same time! There are a number of internships/jobs available for students wishing to go abroad. 

Me and my travel buddy in front of La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona during our gap year

The bottom line

There are many reasons to take a gap year, but consider what's best for you. If you feel like you are ready to jump into college right after high school, go for it! However, if you answered ‘yes’ to any of the questions above, then you might consider taking time off from school. If you decide that you do want to take a gap year, but you aren’t sure how to go about it, a good place to start is your school guidance counselor. They may have information about opportunities in your local area and might be able to help you begin to plan your year off. They can also help you talk to your parents about why a gap year may be the right choice for you.

For some more information and resources about gap years, check out the Gap Year Association !

You should also check out Harvard's student-run club for people who have taken time off, the Gap Year Society .

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Don't Go to College Next Year

By  Joe O'Shea

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Over the next few weeks, students around the country will receive offers of admission to colleges and universities. But before students jump online and accept an offer, I have one piece of advice for them: They might be better off not going to college next year.

Instead, they should think about taking a gap year, to defer college for a year to live and volunteer in a developing country.

In the traditional sort of gap year, students immerse themselves in a developing community to volunteer with a nonprofit organization by teaching, working with local youth, or assuming some other community role.

Gap years have been rising in popularity in the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and elsewhere. I’ve spent the last few years researching what happens to young people when they have such an immersive experience in a community radically different from their own.

The answer, in short, is that gap years can help change students in ways the world needs.

The challenges of our time demand an educational system that can help young people to become citizens of the world. We need our students to be smart, critical and innovative thinkers but also people of character who use their talents to help others. Gap years help young adults understand themselves, their relationships, and the world around them, which deepens capacities and perspectives crucial for effective citizenship. They help students become better thinkers and scholars, filled with passion, purpose, and perspective.

How do people learn from gap years?

One principal lesson is clear: We often develop most when our understandings of ourselves and the world around us are challenged -- when we engage with people and ideas that are different. Despite this insight, we often prioritize comfort and self-segregate into groups of sameness. We tend to surround ourselves with people who think, talk, and look similar to us.

Taking a gap year speeds our development by upsetting these patterns. Trying to occupy another's way of life in a different culture -- living with a new family, speaking the language, integrating into a community, perhaps working with local youth, for instance -- these are valuable experiences that help young people understand themselves, develop empathy and virtue, and expand their capacity to see the world from others' perspectives.

Traditionally, U.S. higher education has championed the idea of liberal arts as a way of getting students to engage with difference, to expand their worldview beyond their known universe by (in the words of a Harvard research committee on education) “questioning assumptions, by inducing self-reflection... by encounters with radically different historical moments and cultural formations.”

However, formal classroom education alone cannot accomplish this aim. The classroom is limited in its ability to engage students with difference and contribute to their development as able citizens. We also need new experiences that inspire critical self-reflection to cultivate the right moral feelings and dispositions.

What’s important here is the productive dissonance that these long-term, immersive gap year experiences provide. It's unlikely that a young person staying in America -- or even traveling overseas for a short time -- would have assumptions about herself and the world around her challenged with the same intensity, frequency, and breadth as in a gap year in a developing community.

It's interesting that spending time in developing communities can help young people appreciate ways of living that we need more of -- such as a more active and intimate sense of community. Going overseas also helps to cultivate a type of independence and self-confidence that staying close to home in a familiar environment probably does not.

Furthermore, taking the traditional kind of gap year after high school helps students to take full advantage of their time in college. One telling observation is that many students who take gap years end up changing their intended major after returning. During college, their gap year experiences enrich their courses, strengthen co-curricular endeavors, and animate undergraduate research and creative projects.

To be clear: Though these gap year students are working in partnership with a community organization and aim to make some positive impact, the students typically, at least in the short term, gain more than they are able to give. But this empowers them to bring new perspectives to bear in other personal, professional, and civic efforts. Gap years, borrowing a line from the Rhodes Scholarship Trust, can help create leaders for the world’s future.

Despite the benefits of these kinds of gap year experiences, too few Americans take gap years and too few colleges encourage them. The treadmill from high school to college makes it hard for students to see alternative paths. But that is changing. More people and organizations are beginning to see gap years for the formative experiences they can be, given with the proper training, support, and community work. In fact, all the Ivy League universities now endorse gap years for interested students. And they’re right to do so.

Many parents and students are nervous about the idea of spending an extended period in a developing country. But these experiences, especially through structured gap year programs like Global Citizen Year, are generally very safe and supported. Are there some risks? Of course, there are risks with any travel or change -- but the risks are worth taking. The investment in taking a gap year will pay dividends throughout one’s college career and beyond as one’s life and society is enriched.

However, one central challenge that remains is how to finance gap years for students from lower-income families. This is also beginning to change. The University of North Carolina and Princeton University, for instance, have both begun to subsidize gap years for incoming students. Other organizations, such as Omprakash, now offer low-cost volunteer placements as well as scholarships to those with need. And with the help of crowdfunding sites, students are able to fund-raise for these experiences with greater ease. Despite these efforts, if gap years are to really expand, we’ll need more institutions or governments to offset the costs.

Higher education is society’s last mass effort to really shape the character and trajectories of our young people. Let’s help them take more advantage of the precious time in college by taking a gap year before.

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• Jun 26, 2023
• 15 min read

The Pros and Cons of Taking a Gap Year after University

Some time off after college can be a blessing… or a curse.

Melina Theodorou

Career and Culture Writer

Reviewed by Chris Leitch

Gap years are quite common among  college graduates . Indeed, opting to take time off after finishing a degree is becoming the norm for many, whether it’s because they don’t know what field they want to enter or because they need a little time to recalibrate after a stressful final year.

Are you considering a gap year? We’ve prepared a list of gap year pros and cons to help you reach a decision!

The pros of taking a gap year

Regardless whether you’re taking a break before you enter college or after you graduate, it will come with its perks. In this section, we’ll look at 10 benefits of doing a gap year!

1. You’ll learn new skills

One of the main reasons you should consider taking a gap year is the opportunities you’ll have to develop  new skills .

Indeed, gap years are great learning opportunities, and there will be ample ways to amplify your skill set. Say you’ve always wanted to  learn how to code , read more about world history or learn how to cook — this could be the year that you check these things off your bucket list!

If your plan is to travel, then you could also commit to  learning a language  or two on the way. You could also take online courses, work as a volunteer or enroll in real classes. These could prove to be truly beneficial at the end of your gap year, too, as it will act as proof that you used your time proactively.

Ty Stewart , CEO and president of Simple Life Insure, suggests that by taking a break, you can achieve career clarity while also building  valuable workplace skills . He says: “I’d much rather hire someone who learned how to code or launched a freelance writing business during their gap year and can leverage those skills for my business’s growth than someone who’s played it safe their whole life.”

So, regardless how you choose to spend your year off, you ought to utilize your time to diversify your interests.

2. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience

Let’s face it: taking a year-long break to  explore the world , travel, work odd jobs and experience new realities is a unique opportunity. Throughout college, you may have been told time and time again something along the lines of “Travel now while you still can!” And there is truth behind this over-reiterated claim.

There’s no better time to do a gap year than right after college — with a degree in the bag, no looming deadlines or a career on the line, you’ll have all the freedom in the world to travel without any strings or responsibilities attached.

Pete Sosnowski, cofounder and VP of  Zety , suggests that “being in a different place is a perfect opportunity to learn about different cultures, traditions and routines. Broader horizons equals more open-mindedness, flexibility and [the] capacity to adapt to different circumstances.”

All in all, your gap year will be an enriching experience for you, which you will undoubtedly cherish later on.

3. Universities and employers encourage it

If you plan on going back to school after your undergrad, a gap year could enhance your application, especially if you spend your time working or  volunteering  within the field you plan on doing your master’s or  PhD  in. For example, if you plan on pursuing a master’s in marine biology and you spend a few months to a year working at a marine research institute, this would definitely work in your favor.

Indeed, according to  Jamie Beaton , cofounder and CEO of Crimson Education, applicants applying to grad schools could be rewarded for taking a gap year. For example, medical schools put weight on experiences such as in-field volunteering and the maturity it can bring.

Employers may also weigh a gap year in your favor as it could reveal a lot about your character. When talking about the process of hiring his own staff,  Neal Taparia , cofounder of SOTA Partners and Solitaired, explains that a gap year could suggest a person is “adventurous and willing to take risks to do something they care about. It also shows me that person is willing to take the time to consider where they want to go in their career, and not rush into anything… I want someone who challenges the norm, because those people will bring new ideas to my company.”

4. You build up work experience

If you already know which field you want to work in, then  finding an internship , traineeship or entry-level position could be the perfect way to enhance your résumé with real experience before pursuing a more permanent role. Not only that, but you will also have the opportunity to create a professional network, accumulate  business contacts  and save money while you’re at it.

Even if you spend your gap year working within a sector or an industry that you’re not planning to pursue a career path in, chances are you’ll accumulate a range of transferable skills and knowledge which you can apply to future roles, too.

5. It will boost your résumé

Employers usually take an interest in individuals who have taken a gap year. As long as you’re able to prove that your time off has been productive on a professional level, it could enhance your overall profile as a candidate and make you a more interesting and memorable individual. Sosnowski concurs: “Applicants with a productive gap year have an advantage over other graduates who are trying to go right into the job market.”

So, if you have your eye on a competitive role, you can use your gap year to your advantage and use your newly accumulated  skills  and experiences to enhance your résumé and distinguish yourself from a sea of graduates applying for the same position.

6. It will help you grow as a person

The year after you finish your first degree can be quite a shock. Indeed, after spending over a decade of your life in school, it can take a bit of time to get used to life without midterms, deadlines and class schedules. Learning to establish your own daily structure takes time, so before you can dive into the 9-to-5 world order, you could take a year to adjust to this new reality.

Jim Sullivan, president and cofounder of  JCSI , explains that “with schooling, these students are told where to be and how to act with little freedom to explore who they are. A gap year full of new experiences will help develop a more mature person.”

So, by having a year to yourself, you could become more independent and gain a better sense of your goals and aspirations. To be successful, you need to create opportunities for growth by devoting time to your personal development.

7. You can pursue other passions

Another significant benefit of taking a gap year is that you will have the time to pursue your passion projects. Say you’ve studied chemical engineering but you’ve always been fond of photography, for example: you could dedicate this year to learning about and doing more  photography !

You could also devote time to a business idea you never had time to pursue during your studies or work in a completely different field which you’re curious about. Remember: gap years are all about personal development, and by using this time productively, you could make impressive additions to your arsenal.

8. You’ll make new connections

Whether you get on a plane and travel abroad to volunteer or land an internship at a company that inspires you, your new start will lead to new connections. These can come in the form of friendships, which is sure to boost your overall happiness , or professional relationships. The latter is just as valuable, too!

Expanding your professional network fresh out of college will give you an advantage later on. If you make a good impression and stay in touch, these people will think of you when an opportunity pops up in the future.

9. You can plan your next steps carefully

A lot of the time, young adults experience a sense of pressure to have everything figured out. Right now. This sometimes comes from external sources, such as anxious parents passing down their worries. With or without stressed caregivers, however, the unknown nature of the future can be intimidating!

Instead of making a hurried decision about starting a career or moving out, you can always shift into lower gear and take some time. When used wisely, a gap year allows you to do just that.

10. You can gain confidence

Spending your gap year doing things out of your comfort zone will come with its long-term effects. Very positive ones! Whether you volunteer, work or travel, you’ll come up against new situations and learn how to become more self-reliant.

Exploring unfamiliar territories, even metaphorically, has been shown to increase our psychological resilience — and happiness! This means you’ll be better equipped to take healthy risks in the future. It can also teach you to view challenges as an opportunity to learn rather than a terrifying reality to hide from.

The cons of taking a gap year

Taking a gap year after high school, before you start college or even as a graduate, can have its downsides. Here are 10 things to consider when deciding your next move.

1. You may lose momentum

Usually, during the end of your degree, you’re at an academic peak. If you’re considering taking on further studies after your gap year, you could lose academic momentum and find it difficult returning to the grind after a year out.

Likewise, if you spend your time in college setting the foundations for a career, a year out could have its downturns on your motivation and drive.

Nonetheless, if higher education has left you mentally and physically drained, then a year out could still be a good call. Indeed, it’s quite common to feel burned out after an intense year of studies, and a year off could help you recharge before resuming your academic or career journey.

2. You’ll miss out on other opportunities

Before you go through with your decision, you must consider the opportunity cost, too. That is: the alternatives you’ll miss out on in order to pursue this option. For example, you might forego an internship, a graduate scheme or the chance to pursue an advanced degree after your graduation.

You might not be able to pursue some opportunities after your gap year (for example, some graduate jobs are only available for applicants during their first year after graduation), so it’s important to weigh these options before making a final decision.

3. It could be expensive

This is usually the main concern for graduates considering a year out. Of course, it all comes down to factors such as your financial wellbeing and what you plan on doing during your gap year.

For example, if you want to spend the year backpacking around the world, your finances will definitely take a hit. However, there are several solutions to this problem. For starters, you could take on a  gig economy job  or find local opportunities for that period of time (you’ll need a working holiday visa in most cases). You could also save up by working for half a year before hopping on a plane and spend the rest of the year traveling.

Of course, that’s not the only expenses you need to consider. If you plan on living away from home, you’ll also need to pay for expenses such as rent, utility bills and groceries, at the very least. So, regardless how you choose to spend the year, you’ll need to ensure that you can support yourself financially. Creating a  budget plan  and estimating yearly costs might be a good first step!

4. You may feel left behind

With your friends embarking on their master’s and starting their graduate jobs, you might feel a little left behind during your year out. At the beginning, it might seem like you’re floating about while everyone else is getting ahead career-wise; this could be especially true if your gap year is more laidback and not as thoroughly planned.

However, this is quite normal and can be avoided by  setting achievable goals  for yourself and simple planning, which brings us to the next point.

5. You’ll need to create a thorough plan

To make your gap year truly count, you’ll need a detailed plan. Of course, that doesn’t mean planning everything by the hour — the whole point of a gap year is to get used to living without a strict academic schedule and following a term-by-term kind of rhythm.

But even so, you should still have a general idea of what you want to do during that year. Otherwise, it might all be for nothing, and you could end up losing on other opportunities which you declined in order to have this gap year.

You need to have something to show for not just to your nosy relatives who are still questioning your gap year decision but also prospective employers or academic institutions.

But the planning doesn’t end there; you must also make time to consider what follows once this year comes to an end: your goals, aspirations as well as an actionable plan that will help you launch into the next stage of your life.

6. It could affect your job prospects

According to a  study by ResumeGo , applicants with work gaps in their résumés had a 45% less chance of landing a job interview. Nonetheless, those who provided reasons for their  employment gap  received 60% more interviews.

Sullivan advises that “the presence of a gap year on a candidate's résumé does not automatically push them ahead of other candidates or reduce the chances of their hiring. It is just an experience that each candidate will handle differently. But many recruiters and hiring experts have seen the benefits through their experiences and understand how a gap year can help a young person prepare for entering the workforce and being a difference-maker within the company they will work for.”

The takeaway here is that your gap year should count towards something. Otherwise, you’d be facing an  unconcealable gap on your résumé , which most employers won’t be impressed with. As already mentioned, if you don’t take advantage of this time to gain more skills, qualifications and experience, a gap year could do more harm than good.

7. It can result in anxiety

Let’s face it: new beginnings can be uncomfortable. Though this is certainly not a reason to avoid them, you’ll want to be honest with yourself about your limits. For example, signing up for a gap year program and moving abroad to volunteer may sound exciting, but do you have the resources for it? Not just the financial resources, but the emotional capacity, too.

And. if university has exhausted you, are you expecting your gap year to remedy how you’re feeling? Are you using it as an escape or to postpone making bigger life decisions? While there’s nothing wrong to seek out a pick-me-up when you need it, make sure you’re doing what you’re doing for the right reasons.

8. You’ll lose your routine

The contrast between studying and taking a gap year can be as dramatic as day and night. That’s why you need to be prepared to have your day-to-day life flipped upside down!

You’re probably thinking: “I’m dying to give up my boring routine!” And it may be true, except even boring routines play a fundamental role in our mental health and wellbeing. That’s because they add a healthy structure to our day: we know what time we’re eating, sleeping, exercising and relaxing.

When that gets thrown out the window, it can get distressing, particularly for individuals more prone to anxiety.

9. It can get physically tiring

Adjusting to new surroundings, work environments and even people can be taxing! Apart from the potential to become mentally tiring, however, a gap year can take a toll on the body, too.

Wanting to make the most out of their year off, many graduates will try to do it all: travel, work and volunteer, one after the other or all at once. So, if you’re planning on making it a memorable, action-packed year, just bear in mind that overdoing it can cause you to crash.

While physical fatigue doesn’t have to deter you, it’s important not to romanticize the idea of your gap year, but rather to have realistic expectations.

10. You might do it for the wrong reasons

If most of your friends are doing a gap year, you might be feeling like you’d be missing out unless you joined. Or maybe you didn’t take a gap year before college and you’re now regretting it — even though your priorities have changed in the meantime. It could even be that you’re viewing a year off as the “easy way out”, without realizing.

Figuring out your next steps as a graduate can be tough. Being away from your friends for the first time can also be scary! However, it’s best to pursue something out of genuine interest and curiosity rather than fear of something else.

Final thoughts

There’s a lot to take into consideration when it comes to taking a gap year. Just like every other life decision, there will be both positives and negatives that could come from it. So, spend a little time weighing the various factors discussed above to make an informed decision.

As long as you treat your gap year as an opportunity to enrich your views, challenge yourself and experience new things, you won’t regret it!

Can you think of any other gap year advantages and disadvantages? Share them with us in the comments section below!

Originally published on April 27, 2017. Updated by Electra Michaelidou.

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What Are the Pros of Taking a Gap Year?

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A year between high school and college, commonly spent traveling, working, or volunteering, is commonly referred to as a gap year. Formerly a popular option for primarily European students, gap years are now increasing in popularity amongst students in the United States. But why?

For many students and parents, a gap year can sound intimidating at first. Some students worry that college admissions will frown upon their experiences or that they will fall out of sync with a peer group that’s grown comfortable over years of shared academic experiences. Parents might worry that a student will lose interest in college or fall behind academically. Indeed, gap years can be the source of anxiety and even conflict.

In reality, though, a gap year can be a valuable experience in many ways. In fact, some colleges such as Harvard as even encouraging students to defer for a year, providing resources about the benefits of taking a gap year before starting college. In this post, we’ll outline the eight pros of taking a gap year.

Gain Professional Experience

Some gap years include work experience, either through an actual job, an internship, or even a volunteer program. By immersing yourself in a career field, you’ll gain important professional experience including making connections in the field, understanding the daily undertakings of the profession, and building an understanding of the workplace culture. Many gap year students get a better idea of what careers they want to pursue themselves.

These types of professional experience will make you a more desirable job candidate and will set you apart from other students your age. The experience gained will strengthen your college application, too!

Build Life Skills

This is one of the most commonly regarded pros of a gap year. For many students, high school is a time of routine. There are set schedules for nearly everything and most of your commitments are well-defined. On a gap year, you will usually have far more freedom and far more responsibility.

This increase in both freedom and responsibility will force you to mature quickly. You might have to set and maintain a budget. You may need to create a schedule for household chores, self-care, and other commitments. You’ll need to go grocery shopping and do laundry.

Many parents of gap year students report that they can’t believe how much their students matured over the course of the year. Being on your own, especially in a new setting without the support network of friends or family nearby can force you to develop new skills quickly.

Broaden Your Perspective

Some gap year experiences take place in far away places. Whether these are out of the country or simply in a community that’s different from the one in which you were raised, living in these new environments often provides a new perspective on culture and values. Many times, gap year students gain knowledge about global issues and have a better understanding of other people’s struggles.

These kind of shifts in your thinking can influence who you are as a person, as a friend, as a student, and as an aspiring professional.

Make a Difference

Some gap years are designed around community service. Whether you’re working at your local food pantry or volunteering as an assistant at Doctors Without Borders, gap year volunteers are sure to leave with the knowledge that you’ve made someone else’s life a little easier.

Learn More About Yourself

For many students, high school is a time of conformity. After all, there are only so many extracurriculars or classes to choose from. You are essentially doing some variation of the same thing as most people around you, and like it or not, you probably spend a decent amount of time comparing yourself to others. This is completely normal for this time in your life.

After high school, removed from all your previous classmates, you finally have the chance to reinvent yourself. Taking on a challenge, tackling an adventure, or simply stepping outside your comfort zone independently can reveal a lot about who are you as an individual, outside of the  high school walls.

The extra year will provide you with more time to consider who you want to be, what you want to do, and where you want to do it. Many times, students jump right into college with a certain momentum on a specific trajectory. Stepping back for some time can allow you to evaluate if that’s what you really want.

Build a Stronger College Application

For students whose applications need improvement in a few key areas, gap years can be a time of focusing on this. For example, if you’re a top student whose SAT or ACT scores are in the pits, you can spend part of your gap year focusing on test prep or working with a tutor. If you feel you don’t have enough service work or community involvement, you can build these experiences during a gap year. You can also establish skills like leadership, dedication, and maturity.

Although strengthening your college application might not be the only reason behind a gap year, it’s still a great bonus.

Refresh Your Interest in Academia

High school can be rigorous. Between the challenging coursework, demanding extracurricular commitments, and a healthy social life, it’s easy to feel like you’re balancing the world on your shoulders. Some students leave high school at the verge of a breakdown and taking a gap year is just the ticket to changing course.

By stepping away from academia temporarily, you’ll allow your own true interests to blossom again. You’ll be able to return to school with a renewed energy.  

Finally, the fact is that college isn’t cheap. In fact, the CollegeBoard estimates that about 2/3 of students in college in 2016 were on some kind of financial aid. If you’re one of the majority for whom finances are a concern, a gap year can give you the financial padding that you need.

Getting a job and saving for college is a smart choice if you can make it work for you. Some students who go this route continue to live with their parents so that virtually all of their earnings can be saved. For others, this isn’t possibly, but even with a modest rent many students still manage to save enough for books or room and board.

Gap years are becoming increasingly popular with students in the United States for good reason. They provide many benefits besides those already linked with the activity itself. Many gap year students return with a depth of maturity and insight that is rare to find in a student straight out of high school.

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Future study

Should I go straight to uni or take a gap year?

Mind the gap! Or, don’t.

So you’re in your last year of high school, wondering what you should do with your life. Maybe you know exactly what area of study you want to pursue and you’re keen to get started, or maybe you know what you’d like to do but aren’t in a rush. Perhaps you have no idea yet and you just want to take some time off.

The question is, to gap year or not gap year?

Those in favour of gap year:

I want to travel.

Maybe you’ve travelled with family a little over in school breaks, but you feel you haven’t travelled  enough . You want to immerse yourself in different cultures, customs, beliefs and languages to gain a new perspective on life. You know that you may not get time to do this once you’ve settled in to study, so you’re ready to take time now!

I want to learn - just, away from the textbook

You’ve been in a learning facility for 12+ years. You want to continue to learn, just away from the textbook for a while. You want to do this through rich experiences and gaining new perspectives. Combining travel or work experience with your intended area of study might just be the best way to do this. For example, if you’re interested in studying humanities, you can volunteer while travelling – gather some insights that you can relate to when you start studying.

I want to be sure of what I want

Take a step back and consider, are you going to university because it’s just ‘the next thing’ to do? Are you certain of what you want to pursue? You can always change your mind later in life, but undertaking further study is a big investment, both financially and timewise, so you want to make sure that practising in this area is as great as it sounds on paper!

Alternatively, you might know what you want to do at all yet, so some use a gap year to start an internship, volunteer or travel to be exposed to new (and real) experiences in order to unearth passion.

Those in favour of heading straight to uni:

I’ve found my passion and can’t wait to get started.

You’ve spent time exploring your options and you know exactly where your passion lies. You know what your skills and interests are and you’re ready to kick-start your education in that field. Why wait? You’ve got a few years of study, the sooner you get started, the sooner you’ll finish and dedicate your skills to practice!

I’m in study mode, why stop?

You’ve been in the momentum of studying for years – you know the exams and assignments well. It can be tricky for some to get back into the groove of studying after a break. Study straight away, stay focused on your long-term goals!

Undecided? If adventure is calling, why not consider applying to university and choosing to defer your entry, or start studying and plan to study abroad  during your degree.

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In conclusion, my gap year has been a transformative experience that has not only contributed to my personal growth but also made a difference in the world around me. Through volunteering, cultural exchange, and community [...]

Advantages and disadvantages of taking a gap year have long been debated among educators, parents, and students. A gap year, typically a year-long break between high school and college or during college, offers opportunities for [...]

Entering medical school is a significant step on the path to becoming a physician, and many students consider whether to take a gap year before embarking on this rigorous journey. A gap year, often a year-long break between [...]

More and more students are taking their time out of formal education to go work or travel around the world. There aren’t any exact numbers but according to different researches, the number of gap year participants keeps rising [...]

People always consider whether international students should live in the dormitory of the universities or apartments outside the school premises. Those whose opinion is for the international students to reside outside university [...]

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More From Forbes

Here's every reason you should take a gap year before college.

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Most college-bound kids approach high school graduation with excitement and some trepidation. After all, it’s becoming harder and harder to know what exactly to study these days, and which degrees will lead to long-term careers. Technology may eliminate more jobs than it creates over the next few decades — and advanced automation is primed to wipe out entire industries altogether. At the same time, 18-year-olds are increasingly asked to commit to spending six figures or more for nothing more than a bachelor’s degree.

Worse, kids are asked to select a college major that could impact their entire life at a time when they barely know who they are or where they’re going. For this reason, it might make more sense for young people to choose to take a year off to learn more about the world — and maybe even more about themselves. This time is typically referred to as a gap year.

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What Is A Gap Year?

According to the Gap Year Association  (yes, there really is a thing), a gap year is “a semester or year of experiential learning, typically taken after high school and prior to career or post-secondary education, in order to deepen one's practical, professional, and personal awareness."

In other words, gap years provide young people with time and space to learn about themselves and the world — much of which they haven’t seen or experienced as a child living in their parent’s home.

Unfortunately, there’s a stigma surrounding taking time off after high school to travel. Too many people believe not heading directly to a university means a young person is destined to work in a menial job forever and never go back to school.

But according to Gap Year Association data, 90% of students who take time off after high school enroll in a four-year institution within one year of completing their gap year break.

“Studies have shown that taking a gap year not only are tied to increases in college GPAs, but more significantly is tied to improved job satisfaction,” they note. “In short, taking the time to figure out what success looks like is a surefire way to be directed in achieving it.”

The Main Benefits Of A Gap Year

If you’re thinking a gap year is just a time to slack off and avoid the hard work required to pursue a college degree, think again. There are real benefits that result from gap year breaks spent in a new land you’re unfamiliar with — even if they’re only a few months or a semester long.

Here are some of the main perks of taking time off to travel before you dive into higher education head on:

See the world in a different way. According to the most recent study data from the Gap Year Association , students who took time off before college gained a greater understanding of the world we live in. Specifically, 94% said their time spent abroad helped them learn to communicate with people from different backgrounds, 93% report an increased interest in people from around the world, and 90% said they have a better understanding and respect for cultures different from their own. You can learn a ton about the world we live in by reading books or watching documentaries, but these experiences are not the same thing as showing up in a new country to see how it really works first-hand. And most of the time, learning by doing is much more impactful than any wisdom a college professor can impart.

Determine your real goals and the best way to achieve them. If you’re unsure what area you want to study in, it may not make sense to head straight to school. Spending a gap year traveling abroad can help you determine your goals before you select a college major or choose a career track you may be stuck with for the bulk of your entire life. Gap Year Association data noted that 84% of respondents to their study said their time abroad helped them learn skills that helped them become successful in their work. Further, 77% said their gap year helped them find their purpose in life, 75% said it helped them get a job, and 73% reported their gap year helped them prepare for college.

Find yourself without spending tens of thousands of dollars on higher education. It may be possible to learn about the future you want while in your first year at university, but there’s a high cost that comes with “finding yourself” at school. Keep in mind that the average cost of one year at a four-year, public school is $10,230 according to College Board , and those costs surge to $21,370 per year when you add in room and board. Think of how many countries and cultures you could explore for a fraction of that price. Young people can score a cheap economy ticket anywhere in the world and travel cheaply by staying in hostels or joining a study abroad or work abroad program. By opting to take time off to travel, they can find themselves and learn lessons they simply cannot pick up in school without accruing tens of thousands of dollars in debt.

Gain valuable career experience. Finally, don’t forget that a gap year can consist of a lot more than a boozy semester spent in hostels making new friends. In fact, many students who take a gap year spend that time in an international study or volunteer program. There are numerous organized gap year programs that provide an educational component and the structure some students need. Examples include Aardvark Israel , Art History Abroad , and Gap Year South Africa . If you are someone who wants to make sure your gap year counts, choosing an organized program with a stated purpose could be a smart move.

The Bottom Line

Whether you’re a parent of a child getting ready to graduate from high school or a student wondering if they should head straight to a university, it never hurts to consider taking some time off. International travel comes with inherent benefits, including the opportunity to learn about new people and the way the world works. And sometimes, you can combine travel with an educational opportunity that changes the way you think forever.

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Gap Year Advantages Disadvantages IELTS Essay

Gap year advantages disadvantages ielts writing task 2.

You should spend around 40 minutes on this task.

Many students choose to take a gap year before starting university, to travel or gain work experience.  Do you think this is a good idea or a waste of time? You should write at least 250 words.

Many students choose to take a gap year IELTS Essay

Model Answers 1:

The majority of students start their degree in the same year as finishing school or college. Some students, however, choose to take a year out before starting university. In my opinion, this is a very good idea if the time is used wisely in order to gain new skills or knowledge. In the following essay, I will discuss this idea further.

It is very important that, when a gap year is taken, the time is not wasted but used productively. It would not look very impressive to a future employer if the time was simply used to take a break. This does not mean to say that a gap year should not be enjoyed.

Many people choose to go traveling during their gap year. This can be very beneficial to the individual as it exposes them to new ideas and cultures. It can also mean that they are able to learn a new language. Other students decide to gain work experience during this year. This can be particularly useful, especially if connected to their chosen area of study. Often, students who have worked before attending university appreciate their course more, as they are able to understand the relevance of what is being taught.

Overall, therefore, as discussed in this essay, there can be several benefits to taking a gap year. It is very important, however, that this time is used wisely and not wasted. This means that the year needs to be planned carefully in advance to get the most from the experience.

[253 words]

In some countries young people are encouraged to work or travel for a year between finishing high school and starting university studies. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages for young people who decide to do this.

You should write at least 250 words.

Gap Year Advantages Disadvantages

In many countries, youngsters are often encouraged to take an year off, to work or travel across the world, before embarking on their formal university education. This recent trend, also known as “gap – year”, has numerous merits and a few demerits, which will be discussed in this essay.

To begin with, the biggest advantage of taking sabbatical to explore the world is that it gives them an opportunity to discover their career interest. Such trips are not only fun , but also gives them a chance to socialise , engage in volunteering, and understand global issues and global culture . This helps them to discover their real passion which is the foundation stone for a fulfilling career. For instance, data from Harvard University, 2010, pointed out that drop-out rate from university courses is around 10 percent less in those children who chose the course after taking a “gap year” in comparison to those who headed straight to university after the high school.

In addition to this, working for a year before starting university reduces the financial burden of higher education to an extent. As the advanced studies are costly in most countries, working for a year helps them in saving money so they have to borrow less money and are under less financial debt, when they start higher studies.

In contrast to above viewpoints, the most significant disadvantage of such a break is that it can be a distraction from further studies. Some students find such breaks so relaxing and enjoyable that they decide to shun further studies permanently.

Although the incidences of such cases are few, the effects can be disastrous for their further career. For instance, a 2010 report from Florida University revealed that 1 in 100 students, who take “Gap-year” never go for advanced studies and struggle throughout their life to make the ends meet because of being unskilled.

To conclude, the break of a year taken before pursuing university studies helps students to discover their career interest and also allows them to consolidate financially. However, for a minority of high school graduates it can lead to an end of an academic career .

[357 words]

Gap Year in Students Advantages Disadvantages

Taking a “gap year” off between high school and university has become a popular option among many young people. This time off provides a break after many years of formal study. Some students use this time to travel around the world, others volunteer and still others begin working. The idea behind each of these activities is to do something hands-on and refreshing, which enables young people to learn more about themselves and their place in the world around them.

The benefits of taking a year off are plentiful. On a personal level, students who travel away from home develop their independence and self-confidence. On a cultural level, they learn about viewpoints, traditions and perspectives different from their own. Professionally, students get a taste of diverse workplaces, which might inspire a possible career interest. Intellectually, they examine their own beliefs and ideas in relation to those of others in a new environment. All these advantages combine to make a strong case for taking the one-year break.

Nevertheless, there are also dangers involved in taking such a long break. Academically, the main drawback is that students can get sidetracked from their studies. A year is a long time and students could lose the good study habits and sense of discipline they had when they were in a formal academic structure. If they begin working, they could also be deluded into thinking that they’re making a lot of money. They could lose the benefit of college or university education and the chance to earn a higher income all their lives.

In conclusion, whether to take a year-long break or not is an individual decision. Each young person should consider his or her motivations carefully and decide on what’s most desirable. Time is a precious resource and people of all ages, including young people, should treat it with respect.

[305 words]

Gap Year Before Starting a University IELTS Essay

In certain countries some people think that students who just finished high school should take a year off for travelling or working before they enroll in a university. In my opinion, there are both advantages and disadvantages to taking a gap year.

There are a number of drawbacks to taking a year off to travel or work between high school and university. Firstly, if young people decide to work, they might get used to receiving an income and because of this there is a possibility that they do not want to come back to the student life anymore. Secondly, most of the students are too young to travel by themselves; therefore they could waste this opportunity because of their naivety.  Finally, traveling for a whole year requires a huge amount of money which could be spent on university studies.

On the other hand, there are some benefits to spending a year working or traveling before joining university. To begin with, young people broaden their minds when they travel and this might help them to gain valuable experiences in life. A further positive aspect is that while traveling or working, young people could acquire maturity and this could allow them to perform better once they return to their studies. A final benefit is that young people will probably learn some skills such as speaking a different language. They will also learn to appreciate other countries and cultures.

Overall, there are as many advantages as there are disadvantages to traveling or working between high school and university. In my opinion, it all depends on the students’ intellectual and emotional maturity to face this challenge and take advantage of it.

Some students take a year off between school and university to work and travel. Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages? You should write at least 250 words.

Students take a year off between school and university IELTS Essay

These days many students who have completed their high school take one or two years off before starting university. They either work or travel during this time. In my opinion, this arrangement has both advantages and disadvantages.

When students take years off after finishing school, their attention shifts to other areas. Some might travel and some might work. While traveling is exciting and helps them learn more about other countries or people, it does not do much to improve their career prospects. And those who take up a job immediately after finishing school will most probably have to work in the unskilled sector. Since these jobs are more likely to earn them some money and make them financially independent, they might just stick to them. Unfortunately, this will not help in the long term because unskilled workers will have to be content with low salaries and benefits.

However, those students who eventually return to their studies after taking a year’s gap will benefit if they can focus on their studies. The valuable work experience they gained or the lessons they learned from their travels will improve their career prospects. And when they are ready to start work after finishing university, they will have employers queuing up to hire them. Unfortunately, many of these students who take time off after school will never join university. Those who join a university may find it difficult to focus on their studies. Many of them will drop out and return to their previous job.

To conclude, taking a year off has both benefits and drawbacks. Traveling around the world or taking up a job has several benefits. Travel, for example, will enhance one’s horizons and improve one’s perspectives on life. In the same way, part time or full time jobs equip students with valuable skills that will stand them in good stead. However, a university education is still required to find a good job and students who do not start university after taking a year off will only hamper their career prospects.

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Ielts writing task 2 sample 412 - should students take a gap year before attending universities, ielts writing task 2/ ielts essay:, in many countries, students take a year gap after finishing school and work or travel during this period. should students take a gap year before attending universities what are the advantages and disadvantages of it, give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience..

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Should Students Take A Gap Year? (Essay Sample)

Should students take a gap year.

A gap year is a break student take after high school before joining universities or colleges. After the rigorous training in high schools, some students prefer taking time off by having an active holiday outside a school environment. Some universities recommend the gap year to students joining the schools. After reception of the joining letters, students can always apply for a delay time before their entry in such universities. The delay time is considered by some learners as a way of taking a break from tests, assignments, and homework. A gap year can have its benefits and limitations depending on how one plan the gap year.

A gap year is considered by many students and parents as a recharging period i.e. it’s a time where students replenish their academic desires and efforts. Most students who take the gap year return to classroom environment with vigor and new focus to excel in class. During the gap year, students take their time to look back at their academic life to know the challenges they faced in school and work on how to overcome the challenges. This is a beneficial factor for a gap year as academic performance depends on how best one can focus.

Learning and exploring new activities, e.g. volunteering, taking part in community work, joining local football clubs, learning foreign languages, etc., is also a benefit associated with a gap year. These new activities help students learn new skills applicable to their future lives in college or elsewhere. Working with the community makes students appreciate and understand their culture better. Working with the community and other people also boosts the confidence of students because of working with people of diverse ages and knowledge. Also, traveling and learning new language make students more socialized. All these skills and qualities gained as a result of going abroad or working as volunteer etc. help in dealing with a variety of students in college and also raise ones’ professional experience.

With a gap year, students get the opportunity to work towards the college and course of their desire. A student may be rejected by a university of his desire but the kind of work the student take during the gap year can interest the admission board of the college. For example, a student interested in pursuing a course of community development can get his gap year working for the community as a volunteer; this will interest the admission board as the individual will be considered experienced and relevant to the course.

A gap year can be very destructive to a student’s life if not well planned. A student may involve himself in harmful activities, such as drug abuse, crime, etc. since the student has excess time. This will affect the student negatively to the extent of totally leaving school.

Also, a gap year can lead to some individuals’ academic derailment. People who don’t take some classes during the gap might find academic life hard to bear after the gap. Not taking a few classes will affect their academic performance and focus negatively.

Therefore, before taking a gap year students need to have clear plans on what they want to accomplish during that time. Students need to get engaged during the gap year to avoid negative energy on drugs and crimes. Even, though the students are free from classrooms and exams, they still need to take a few classes during the holidays. This will keep them academically focused. In general, a gap year is relevant to students and students should be encouraged to take it.

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Some students take a year off between school and university – IELTS Writing Task 2 Advantage/Disadvantage Essay

Updated On Aug 08, 2024

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Get access to IELTS Writing Task 2 band 9 sample answer of 'Some students take a year off between school and university’ here!

Table of Contents

Academic ielts writing task 2 topic:.

IELTS Writing Prediction Questions for 2024

In IELTS Writing Task 2 advantages and disadvantages essays, you will be asked to write the benefits and drawbacks of the topic given. You have to be careful that you write the advantages and disadvantages of the topic given and not your opinion about the topic.

To help you understand this type of essay better, below is a sample essay along with a vocabulary section. Continue to practise other topics of IELTS advantages and disadvantages essays to help you during your preparation.

Some students take a year off between school and university, to work or to travel. Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages? OR

It is common practice for some students to take a gap year after graduating high school to work and/or travel. What do you think are the advantages and disadvantages of this?

Band 9.0 Model Essay:

It is true these days that many high school leavers choose to start their work or take a trip before going to university. While a gap year can bring some immediate drawbacks, I am convinced that it is more likely to have long-term benefits for their lives.

On the one hand, young students are very likely to encounter several difficulties when delaying their university study. One of these problems is the delay in academic progress caused by spending one year off school. It is understandably almost impossible for young people to enjoy their experiences in doing a job or travelling to a new place but still arrange a certain amount of time for revision. As a result, gap-year takers may have to face the challenge of becoming familiar with the knowledge at school again, receiving more pressure of catching up with their peers. Besides, the life outside the university campus may prove to be mentally and physically overwhelming for inexperienced school leavers. They, for instance, may be at risk of being exploited in an exhausting job or face potential dangers on their trips to a new country. If not well prepared for such possible obstacles, young high school graduates can suffer from unintended consequences.

On the other hand, I would argue that these disadvantages are outweighed by the positive effects. A gap year is an ideal opportunity for students to learn about what is not taught at university. Working with other people who are experts in a particular field can give these newcomers not only an understanding of the job but also valuable practical lessons to help them become more mature. When it comes to applying for a position in a company, employers tend to favourably consider applicants who possess extensive experience in life and the occupation. Furthermore, in terms of recreation, having a year to relax can be advantageous as students can have a chance to relieve stress in study. With a comfortable and willing attitude, undergraduates can acquire knowledge more effectively in comparison with those who go to university right away.

In conclusion, despite some negative aspects, it seems to me that the benefits of a gap year are more significant for the reasons mentioned.

Useful Expressions

• Long-term (adj): continuing for a long time into the future ==>The long-term effect of education should not be neglected.
• To encounter sth (v): to experience something, especially something unpleasant ==>Young graduates commonly have to encounter great difficulty in seeking employment.
• Progress (n): movement to an improved or more developed state ==>By adequately rewarding the students who have made significant progress in study, the school administration can recognise the achievements of these diligent students to others, encouraging many more students to devote more effort to study to obtain similar rewards.
• Peer (n): a person who is the same age, or has the same social position or the same abilities as other people in a group. ==>In some developing Asian countries such as Vietnam, baby girls are usually less appreciated than their peers due to the remnants of feudalism that favoured men more than women.
• Overwhelming (adj): too great or large for somebody ==>High school students in Vietnam, ranging from primary to high school ones, are obliged to learn an overwhelming amount of knowledge at school, not to mention loads of homework and other extra classes.
• Inexperienced (adj): having little knowledge or experience ==>Many companies, for fear of arising expenses on training inexperienced new employees, tend to refuse the applicants who have just graduated.
• Extensive (adj): having a great range ==>Society certainly benefits from the intellectual workforce who possess extensive knowledge in scientific areas.
• Occupation (n): a person’s job ==>On the other hand, manual occupations are of fundamental importance to society.
• Advantageous (adj): giving advantages or helping to make you more successful ==>The ability to speak foreign languages fluently can prove to be very advantageous for job seekers in the competitive job market.

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Is it a good idea to take a gap year before university?

Get the inside track on what it’s like going to university after taking a gap year, with tips and advice from UEA staff and students

There are many reasons for considering a gap year before university. Maybe distant shores are calling your name. Perhaps you fancy getting a bit of work experience and earning some money. Maybe you just really need a break from all that learning. 

Making all those plans is the fun part - but for many people there comes a point where you start questioning whether a gap year is actually a good idea after all.

Will I remember how to study? Will I just want to stay in work? Will being a year older make it harder to make friends? 

And if you’re looking at going travelling - whether it’s a big trip around the world or a few weeks Interrailing across Europe - there’s the unavoidable challenge of how to afford it all.

Questions like these get posted on The Student Room’s gap year forum regularly, so we asked some of the most common to staff and gap year students at UEA. Below, they share their thoughts on the benefits and challenges of starting university after a year away from education. 

If I don’t go travelling on a gap year, will I ever get round to it?

If your main purpose for wanting to take a gap year is to experience life in a foreign country, don’t assume that a gap year is the only option. At many universities, there will be the option to study abroad during your degree. 

“A gap year can be amazing – but choosing not to take one doesn’t limit your options for international experience,” says Annie Kay, study abroad manager at UEA.   “There are so many opportunities to study abroad as part of your degree, and at UEA we have lots of options. It’s a really supportive way to live abroad.”   That support is an important part of studying abroad as part of your degree - you can expect your uni to have a structure in place that will help.    For instance, UEA students who study abroad go to a university in another country that has an exchange relationship with UEA.    “That means they know your home university and are used to welcoming students like yourself,” says Annie.   “The other nice thing about spending time abroad after you’ve started a degree is that you know what you’re interested in.    “So you can study your degree subject from a different angle, explore and have adventures, and get what you need from the experience.”   You’ll also be doing some serious CV building, adding skills and experience that will help make you stand out to future employers. 

What's your main reason for planning a gap year?

• So I can go travelling
• To save up money for uni
• So I can get work experience
• So I can make a new uni application
• To get more independence before uni

Will my gap year make it harder to catch up with university work?

If you do choose to take a year out from academia, you might be wondering if you’ll find it easy to get back into the swing of things with university work. 

When it comes down to it, university still represents a big transition from school or college whether you’ve had a gap year or not – so you won’t be in too dissimilar a position to students who’ve started university straight after finishing their A-levels or other qualifications. 

And while a gap year may not exactly sharpen your academic skills, it could help you develop other qualities that will come in useful when you do go to university. 

“The beauty of a gap year is the freedom to spend your time wisely, which can make the transition more seamless as you learn to think for yourself,” says Josiah Laws, a physiotherapy student at UEA.

“A gap year has the potential to develop and strengthen the skills required for university, all while academic skills are not lost (but perhaps not strengthened either).” 

Will taking a gap year mean it’s harder to make friends at university?

When you’re taking a step into the unknown, such as starting university, it can feel comforting to make that step at the same time as your friends.

So, it’s a common concern for people considering a gap year that they will be falling a year behind their school and college friends - who will all be wise old second years by the time they are starting as freshers.

The truth is that most people start their university course knowing absolutely no-one there, regardless of whether they took a gap year or not. 

So everyone is starting from scratch. And if you’ve got a year’s experience of being out in the world, meeting and talking to people from outside of school and college, you’re going to be better equipped than most to build a new friendship group quickly.

Is a gap year going to make applying to university much more complicated?

If you’ve decided to take a gap year before uni, you have a few application options. 

You could apply for deferred entry. This means you’ll apply at the same time as everyone who is not taking a gap year, but will select the following year for entry on your Ucas application. 

Alternatively, if you don’t decide to take a gap year until after your application has been sent off (or even after you’ve been offered a place) you could contact the university and ask to defer your place until the following year. There’s no guarantee that the university will say yes, though. 

Finally, you could simply hold off on applying until after your gap year. You’ll already know your exam results, and the life experience you’ve gained could even boost your application. 

“Universities are very positive about gap years and encouraging of those students that want to explore this opportunity,” says Alix Delany, associate director of admissions and applicant engagement at UEA. 

“When an application lands at a university for deferred entry, so that the student can take a gap year, it always piques our interest,” Alix says.     “My tip is that if you are planning on a gap year, give us a brief indication of your reason in the personal statement so that universities are not left guessing.   “Even if your plans are still fluid, an indication will help us. All universities are looking at why you think you will be able to fulfil your full potential at university, and if you can loop your gap year reasons back to this it will be viewed very positively.”

So, is a gap year right for you?

If you're comfortable stepping out of education for a year (and you have a plan for managing the cost) then taking a year out of study can give you time to explore different interests - or even travel the world.

But you don't necessarily need to take a whole year out to achieve those things. University life is filled with opportunities, and every university will have masses of societies where you can discover new passions and keep up with current ones. 

On the travelling side, the study abroad options offered by many universities make it possible to see the world in a structured and supported way as part of your degree.

A gap year can be a memorable experience but, whether you decide to take one or not, starting university can be just the start of your adventures.

Benefits of taking a gap year

• You'll have the chance to focus on different interests, outside of academic study
• You might choose to go travelling and explore different places
• You'll get used to living more independently, which could make starting university less daunting
• You could strengthen your CV and/or university application
• You'll get used to meeting people (and making friends) from outside your school/college group

Questions to ask yourself before taking a gap year

• Do you have a definite plan for what you want to do during your gap year?
• What's the main reason you want to take a gap year? If it's to pursue non-academic interests, could you find societies at uni that cover these?
• If overseas travel is what tempts you, might this be available as part of your uni course?
• How will you fund your gap year plans? Work out your budget so you don't run out of funds halfway through.

Our partnership with the University of East Anglia

The Student Room is proud to work with UEA, a UK top-25 university (Complete University Guide 2025) and UK top-30 university (The Times/Sunday Times 2024), as the official partner of our student life section.

Located on the edge of Norwich, a lively city full of secret gems just waiting to be discovered.

Visit their profile page to learn more or join the conversation on The Student Room's UEA forum .

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Advantages and Disadvantages of Taking a Gap Year | Band 8 Essay Sample

Essay topic

In some countries young people are encouraged to work or travel for a year between finishing high school and starting university studies.

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages for young people who decide to do this .

Band 8 essay sample

In many countries, youngsters are often encouraged to take an year off, to work or travel across the world, before embarking on their formal university education. This recent trend, also known as “gap – year”, has numerous merits and a few demerits, which will be discussed in this essay.

To begin with, the biggest advantage of taking sabbatical to explore the world is that it gives them an opportunity to discover their career interest. Such trips are not only fun , but also  gives  them  a chance  to  socialise , engage in volunteering, and understand global issues  and global culture . This helps them to discover their real passion which is the foundation stone for a fulfilling career. For instance, data from Harvard University, 2010, pointed out that drop-out rate from university courses is around 10 percent less in those children who chose the course after taking a “gap year” in comparison to those who headed straight to university after the high school.

In addition to this, working for a year before starting university reduces the financial burden of higher education to an extent. As the advanced studies are costly in most countries, working for a year helps them in saving money so they have to borrow less money and are under less financial debt, when they start higher studies.

In contrast to above viewpoints, the most significant disadvantage of such a break is that it can be a distraction from further studies. Some students find such breaks so relaxing and enjoyable that they decide to shun further studies permanently.

Although the incidences of such cases are few, the effects can be disastrous for their further career. For instance, a 2010 report from Florida University revealed that 1 in 100 students, who take “Gap-year” never go for advanced studies and struggle throughout their life to make the ends meet because of being unskilled.

To conclude, the break of a year taken before pursuing university studies helps students to discover their career interest and also allows them to consolidate financially. However, for a minority of high school graduates it can lead to an end of  an academic career .

(357 words)

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