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by crazypyro 4078 days ago
Whats the point of taking a gap year? I wouldn't take this unless you are extremely dedicated to some task, like a budding business, a dream to do something, something you are entirely into, not just an vague idea about taking a year off, especially considering you already have a top school accepting you. Waiting longer will probably only hurt your chances to get into a better school, not improve them. Beyond that, many people have taken "breaks" from school and then life catches up, so they never return. I would seriously consider just sticking it out and attending college. You'll have a lot of free time in college, at least in the beginning, to explore your own interests.
4 comments

I disagree. After high school I didn't know what I wanted to do and during the time I took off I discovered computers.

If you have any doubt about what you want to do in life take some time to think about it.

Totally disagree. In Sweden almost every kid takes a gap year (or more!) which prepares them much better for college. They have some time to live alone and transition, and can focus better when they get to school.
Interesting thoughts, thank you. I feel like taking a gap year is an opportunity to learn things that I couldn't necessarily in a classroom.

Applying again next year, I'll be able to include all of my grades and test scores from this academic year, which will be an improvement. As long as I show that I'm not just wasting a year of my life, I don't think a gap year will hurt my chances of getting into school.

You also said that I'll have a lot of free time in college to explore my own interests, but isn't that a valid reason to take a gap year too? If I can go into college already knowing what's important to me and what I want to do, won't it make the experience that much better?

WDYT?

> You'll have a lot of free time in college, at least in the beginning, to explore your own interests.

The gap year would be far better suited for this than multitasking passions and school time.