Should
You Take A Break or a"Gap Year" From College?
By
Stuart Simpson
What is a
“Gap Year?” Actually, it’s the new term for
taking off a year after high school but before college. Sound
fun? Not if you think it’s for slackers.
A gap year
is intended to help kids get a better grasp on the real world
after high school. Three months off before you start college isn’t
enough for some. This “gap year” idea can give college
students a better attempt to manage money and graduate in the
typical 4 years. Unfortunately, only 37% of freshmen complete
the 4-year degree according to the Education Trust of Washington,
DC.
Traveling
Abroad
Some students
volunteer, travel abroad, or intern. This work can cost money,
but in some instances, make the students money. Americorps.org
offers a good source for volunteer work. Interimprograms.com tries
to match students with an intern program that matches their career
goals. If you want to travel and learn about a foreign country
before you start school, then you should check out whereyouheaded.com.
William Fitzsimmons
of Harvard co-wrote an article about “Time out or burn our
for the next generation.” He discusses why letting kids
devote time to their own pursuits gives them a break from the
stress of high school.
Who pays for
this “gap year?” Well, it depends on what your students
do. Some programs pay the students, while others expect payment
for your kid’s hiatus. Some parents do an equal share savings
for the gap year.
What
about financial aid?
Usually, you’ll
have to reapply. It’s a good idea to get accepted to a college
first, and then ask for a deferment.
What
about getting behind?
Sure, you
might get behind a year with your peers, but think of a nice conversational
piece you’ll have to discuss on your resume while your peers
have nothing.
Some see the
gap year as an opportunity for education, but others see it as
procrastination. It’s not for everyone, just as college
isn’t for everyone. With proper planning and guidance, it
could make college more bearable and more rewarding.
Stuart
Simpson
BS Finance
7 hours towards his MBA
http://www.college-degree-review.com
http://www.medical-school-review.com
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