gap year. yes or no?

Question

do people think it is better to go straight through to university or to take a gap year

if gap year...what things do people think are best to do

Answer 1

take a gap year, i found when my uni interviews came round everyone was really interested to hear all about my experiences as were work. You could do voluntary work and travel or paid work. There are so many oppotunites. although you will probably want to take a gap year as soon as you finish uni coz its hard work. If you want to travel you could always go to uni then take the summer doing projects like camp america which was fantastic and they pay your flights and accomadation.That way you can do both.

Answer 2

It depends on how old you are and why you want to take a gap year. I took a gap year after a-levels and before I went to uni. The idea was to get a job and save some money. I ended up unemployed for most of that year! I guess in todays economic climate that could still happen. However after uni I went off and travelled around australia and new zealand for 9 months. That was the best decision I ever made. I would have been too young to travel before I went to uni so it was the right time to do it for me. There are gap year organisers on the net where you go off and do volunteer work etc which is an option.

Answer 3

I think you need to weigh up the pros and cons and then make the decision based on how these lists come out for you personally. Some things to consider:

Finances. Obviously it would be lovely to travel the world for a year, and yes, it's something you may not have as many opportunities to do in future. BUT, it's incredibly expensive (or it can be) and you need to consider whether you can really afford it. (On the other hand, you may decide to take a year to earn some money prior to going to Uni, which is less exciting but would look good on your CV and would help to sort your finances for while you study.)

What you're actually going to be doing. Travelling the world is all very well, but it seems to me it's more worthwhile (and, again, better on your CV) if you can be doing something FOR the world, or at least some part of it, rather than just having a lovely time skipping round the globe getting off your face.

Your personal attitude to travel. Some people are pretty fearless and able to deal with anything; some aren't. Some people get homesick; some don't. A gap year of the travelling variety obviously suits some of those people better than others. One thing I would advise, if you do decide to go travelling, is to find out about your personal safety before you go. There are even one-day courses you can go on to prepare yourself for different possible scenarios you may not have considered (corrupt officials trying to bribe you, kidnap attempts... the sort of stuff you don't have to deal with in day-to-day life and hopefully would never have to deal with while travelling, but which could happen).

Your studies. You know what it's like going back to school after the summer holidays? Well, this would be like going back to school after the Longest Summer Holiday Ever. If you're someone who can get back into the swing of things academically with no problems, then great. If you find it hard to settle down and concentrate, then you need to think about this, and, if you do decide to take a gap year, maybe build some time into your plans for getting your head back into the studying timezone.

I don't really know whether it's 'better' to take a gap year or not to. I think it's really completely up to you. It's certainly possible to get a lot out of it, but it's not like it's compulsory to take a year out, either. It's really up to you.

I hope this has been helpful. Best of luck, and I hope you enjoy whatever you decide to do.

Answer 4

GAP YEAR, all the way. I had the most amazing time travelling round South East Asia for 6 months of my gap year. It's such an eye-opener and well worth it, much better experience than going to uni, you dont end up in so much debt at least!

Have a good one whatever you chose to do.

Answer 5

At 18 I think most people don't know what career they want to do & have fairly limited ideas about what is possible. Taking a gap year gives you the opportunity to see so much of the world and open your eyes to a host of opportunities you would never have thought off if you didn't.

Answer 6

No go straight to a university!! Trust me! I did it and it was by far the best thing I ever did for myself. It forces you to grow up and learn things on your own. Also you will learn more in one semester at a University then you will ever learn at a community college. Once you take a year off it is hard to go back. If you take a year off and get a job, most people get trapped into thinking they don't want to give up that pay check so they never go back to school, don't fall into that trap. Be careful!

Also, everyone wants to you travel the world. You can do that in college. I am in my third year of college and I am studying in England at Oxford and while I am there I will have plenty of timeto explore the other parts of the world. You can always study abroad once you are in school. Plus it looks good on a resume and when you apply for a job. It shows that you are a hard working and dedicated individual.

Answer 7

Go straight to University. There is plenty of time in between finishing you A-levels in June and starting University in the October. Universities have LONG Summer Holidays - they close to Students in May and start up again in mid-October.

Answer 8

Travel - go and see lots of things and lots of places as you may not have time later

Answer 9

well if u have nothing to do then y to take a gap
and if u are having something to do you can have

Answer 10

Travel the world, its a big place!