Taking a Year Off
At a Glance…Taking a Year Off
- Reasons
- Consequences
- Advantages
- Disadvantages
- In conclusion
Many students start their post-secondary education directly out of high school, but more and more, some are choosing to take time off before college or university – the reasons for which are as varied and diverse as the students themselves. As long as the time off is structured and part of a larger plan, it can be enriching and enjoyable; there is no reason why it should have any negative impact (such as affecting admission to post-secondary institutes or affecting future standing in the job market).
Reasons for taking time off
Uncertain or unready
Some people know from early childhood exactly what career path they plan to take, but most don’t. Others may know for certain they would like to go to university, but they have no idea where, or in what program. Sometimes it is necessary for students to take pause and figure out what they are passionate about and what they would like to accomplish in order to set themselves up for success. It is hard to succeed if you do not know what you are doing or why. More time may be required to gain perspective and create a plan.
Low marks on high school transcripts
Students may find that low marks on their high school transcripts prevent them from gaining admission into universities or colleges or make them hesitant to even apply. An extra year before starting post-secondary education may allow time to take upgrade classes to improve your average, or you may be able to gain experience through other programs that will make you more competitive when you (re)apply.
Burnt out from the high school grind
Other students may have strong high school transcripts as well as a strong desire to pursue a post-secondary education, but the energy required for their high school academic success has taken a toll on them, and they need a breather before going on. Often having a year off in these cases can allow these high achieving students to re-energize and re-focus, making them all the stronger the following year.
To work
Certain students choose to work before college or university, sometimes to gain experience, to acquire funding for their education, or perhaps simply to be productive during their time off.
To travel
Travel is very appealing to many. This popular option takes a variety of forms: some students choose to “study abroad,” taking a short course or completing a short program – or perhaps gaining credit that they will transfer to a degree. Some may “teach abroad,” doing ESL teaching-type work to earn money and experience a different culture. And others may simply want to travel to experience the world – the “back-pack-across-Europe” type of trip. Whichever form it takes, travel has the potential to broaden students’ perspectives and give them unforgettable experiences.
To volunteer
This option can overlap with taking time off to travel. Students may get involved in humanitarian efforts, volunteering their time in another country for a good cause while simultaneously experiencing another culture and seeing the world. Other students may choose to volunteer locally in a field that might be of interest to them in their career. The experience gained from volunteering looks good on a résumé as well as enriching the student’s global and humanitarian perspective.
Consequences of taking time off
For the most part, taking time off prior to continuing with a post-secondary education should not have a negative impact on college or university admission, or employability, provided that the time off is used productively.
If anything, taking time off to do something else may make students more competitive with regard to admission to post-secondary education, if the time was used to volunteer with a worthy cause, like aiding in humanitarian work. Also, taking time off is not likely to have a detrimental affect on employability, provided that the student does, indeed, complete a degree/diploma/certificate after their hiatus. Students gaining work or volunteer experience during a year off can add that to their résumés, potentially enhancing employability. Taking time off in and of itself is neutral – the determining factor of how that decision affects the future is how the time is spent.
Advantages to taking time off
Taking time off now could prevent burn-out later.
Students may gain perspective, focus, and maturity during that time and figure out a clear direction. They may also return as more serious students because of it.
What students do with that time may enhance their university/college applications and/or their resumes (such as volunteer work, work experience, or high school up-grade classes).
An experience like volunteering with a humanitarian effort can offer students a global perspective – an education broader than the average student receives in the classroom.
May save time, money and energy by avoiding a year wasted at school if students are not focused or committed.
Disadvantages to taking time off
Students may decide not to further their education.
If students eventually need reference letters from high school teachers, too much time may elapse and the teachers may forget details.
If students get too comfortable being out of school, they may lose momentum and have trouble getting back into the student lifestyle the following year.
Students could end up wasting time and being unproductive.
If students decide to travel, being in another country may make the post-secondary application processes more difficult.
In conclusion
Should you take time off after high school? This is a very personal decision, and you will have to weigh the options carefully. The important thing is that you do not make your choice based on either of the two extremes: pressure or laziness. If you are only going on to post-secondary education because you feel like you have to, you may not succeed because your heart may not be in it. College or university is a lot of work, and involves a serious commitment of time, energy, and money. Conversely, if you are deciding to take a year off because you are tempted by the thought of watching TV and playing video games for 12 months, this is not the right motivation either. You should still have a plan for the next year, even if it does not involve a formal education.
Take-Away Tips…Taking a Year Off
Be honest about your motivations. Take the time to evaluate yourself, your short and long term goals, and what’s important to you at this point in your life. Seriously consider all options before making a choice. Avoid hasty decisions.
Have a plan. Time off should still be structured and productive. Sitting on the couch all day is not an option. Your plan should also have a timeline, including when you will apply to colleges/universities. This can also help assuage parental concerns that time off from school will become permanent.
Take action. If you have chosen to take time off to find yourself or discover your passions, act in a way that facilitates that: seek out new experiences, experiment, explore your interests, and really do some soul-searching.
Have a back-up plan. Apply to schools anyway. That way, if you change your mind, you still have the option. Also, if deferring acceptance for a year is possible, do that. Then you will not have to worry about the hassle of applications during your “year off.” If you cannot defer, or you choose to delay applications, be mindful of the deadlines.
