Is Taking a Gap Year Worth Graduating Late?

In short, YES. Gap Years can kickstart motivation, teach valuable life skills, hone resumes into killer shape, and open doors to future opportunities. And believe it or not, Gap Year students may actually graduate a year ahead of time. Did you know that many teenagers in other countries wait a year after high school before heading to college? In Norway, Denmark and Turkey, for instance, more than 50 percent of students take a year off before college, according to the Nordic Institute for Studies in Innovation, Research and Education in Oslo, Norway. (USA Today) So what makes the Gap Year such a popular trend in countries which greatly value higher education? While Gap Years may look like a delay in starting your “real” life, the stats show us that a Gap Year can effectively jumpstart a successful college transition and future career.

Gap Years Boost Resumes & Applications

One of the most common complaints Gap Year advisors hear from parents is that “we saved for four years, not for five.” The cost of a Gap Year can be a huge concern for parents who are staring down four years of rising college costs. However, Gap Years can actually save parents money in the long run. As the world becomes increasingly connected, universities and employers are looking for students with international experience. The skills and experiences that students gain while on a Gap Year can work in their favor when applying for scholarships, job opportunities, and grants.

Gap Year – Adulting 101

Over the course of their international year, Gap Year students practice more independent adulthood. The challenge of taking on a Gap Year can teach organizational skills, time management, basic budgeting, safety awareness, and can boost independence and responsibility. When a Gap Year student then transitions to a college setting, the skills they already have can boost them ahead of their peers. Without the distraction of “learning how to be an adult,” students can focus on classes, keep track of their academic schedules, and even pursue internships or job opportunities immediately. After taking a year to build these skills and connections, it’s going to be easier for students to earn money while at university, thus cutting on-campus costs. As a Gap Year student, be sure to seek out opportunities to build your resume and work experience as you travel, especially if your goal is to be financially independent in university.

Increase Odds of Completing a Degree Program

Take a look at some of the most common benefits students reported (National Alumni Survey) having gained during their Gap Year: Many students report returning from their Gap Year with new motivation and personal confidence that can help them to succeed in university. The time abroad allows students to explore new interests, to get in touch with their passions, and to learn that their educations should be self-driven. Taking a 1-year break between high school and university encourages ‘motivation for and interest in study to be renewed.’ [Birch, “The Characteristics of Gap-Year Students and Their Tertiary Academic Outcomes”, Australia, 2007] As a result, Gappers are more likely to return to university and to pick a major that truly suits them. Statistically, we see 9 out of 10 Gap Year students returning to take up college studies within a year. With a lower risk of dropping out, changing their major, or being bored in a major they dislike, Gap Year students earn noticeably improved grades. According to Bob Clagget, former Dean of Admissions at Middlebury College, students who took a Gap Year almost always overperformed academically in college, usually to a statistically significant degree. Most importantly, the positive effect of taking a Gap Year was demonstrated to endure over all four years. With this boost in personal motivation and GPA, it’s not uncommon for Gappers to complete their time at college a year early. But even if the student does not graduate faster than the average four years, after taking a Gap Year they will automatically have a better chance of actually completing university to begin with.

Gappers Build A Successful Future

Ideally, a Gap Year allows students to discover their dream calling and to start down the path towards a future they care about. Students who have taken a Gap Year overwhelmingly report being satisfied with their jobs. Students need time to get to know themselves and to take charge of their own decision-making process. Given the chance, Gappers will explore new interests, create valuable experiences for themselves, and ultimately work towards a meaningful future career. Without that time, it’s not uncommon for students to land in a degree program which leads to a career path they have no real interest in. If one year of international travel could save you 5+ years of tedium, wouldn’t you want to leave tomorrow?

Combating Gap Year Costs

Gap Year costs can be easily combated with a little effort on the student’s part. Gappers, take the time to seek out and apply for scholarships and grants. With the Gap Year movement growing rapidly, many organizations are working hard to provide financial assistance to those who need it, with the goal of providing Gap Year access to every student. Starting the adventure from within the safety of a structured program that is accredited is another great way to save money and avoid costly early hassles and emergencies. Check out our list of accredited programs to find high quality programs that cater to your individual goals. After participating in a group program or two, save money by switching to solo budget travel. Travel to destinations like Central or South America, where living costs may be cheaper than staying in an apartment back home. Take a look at work-abroad opportunities, where students trade a few hours of work each day for room and board. These are a great way to learn new skills and gain experience that can boost resumes and jumpstart a future career! Finally, have a plan! Your Gap Year will help you forward only if you’re intentional with your time. If you’re actively planning to find motivation, to take on projects that will help you into internships and opportunities down the road, and to be working towards your college path, you’ll find that a Gap Year can help students get through uni faster than ever.

Don’t Forget:

Life is not a race to the finish line. Don’t think of a Gap Year as a delay in your “real” life. You are building your real life right now, every single day. Are you building a life that excites you? Are you pursuing a future that inspires you? If not, perhaps it’s time to take a Gap Year, explore what the world has to offer, and jumpstart the life you want to be living!

TL;DR

Taking a Gap Year can save students (and parents) time and money down the road. Thanks to the newfound skills, motivation, and self-knowledge that students gain during a Gap Year, the college process can become cheaper and easier. Here are a few ways a Gap Year can equip students for accelerated college success: International experience boosts resumes and applications, both for job opportunities and potential scholarships. “Adulting” skills learned on the road ease the Gap-college transition, allowing students to focus on their studies. 9/10 Gappers return to university within a year. The motivation and skills aquired during their Gap Year greatly improve their odds of staying within one degree program and completing it. Some may even earn their degree in only 3 years. Gappers report higher levels of job satisfaction after college. Gap Year costs can be combated by applying for scholarships, earning money during the trip, and pursuing budget travel to cheap destinations.