BY MARI PRESSLEY, Freshman
BLYTHEWOOD-- Transitioning from high school to college, a teen is relieved after 12 years of schooling and may just want to take a year long break. This feeling has caused British teens to become accustomed to a tradition of taking a gap year.
More American teens are adopting this custom as well.
“I plan to take the gap year between high school and college,” Christa Dupre said, Honor Roll student freshman.
Like many generation z teens in the U.S., Dupre is interested in a long break after high school.
“A gap year is about new challenges and new experiences, seeing new countries and meeting new people. It's about living life to the fullest and realizing there's a world of opportunity out there just waiting to be explored,” according to gapyear.com.
Parents often wonder whether a gap year is really best for their student, which affects the decisions of most teens.
“A study by the dean of admissions at Middlebury College found that the average GPA for Middlebury students who had taken a gap year was consistently higher than those who had not,” according to The Washington Post.
Many students would like to take gap years, but are unsure of their college of choice’s opinions on this topic.
“And some colleges actually encourage admitted students to take a gap year — including Harvard.” according to The Washington Post.
Although it is a well known desire to take a year long break from school, some do not recommend this choice unless one is suffering from personal or family issues.
“I would recommend that less students take a gap year. If you are in a routine of attending school, it should not be difficult to adjust to college life,” according to BHS Director of Guidance, Sharlene Drakeford.
Gap years are certainly on the rise, however many professionals and experienced students are starting to deplore the idea.
“Do not take a gap year between high school and college because your classes transitioning into high school won’t be that hard,” graduate Alex White said.
Most transitioning high schooler's motives for a gap year is the idea of traveling, gaining maturity, and confidence.
“I wanted to travel,” Dupre said as her reason for wanting to take a gap year.
A high school student is likely to be drawn to a gap year in the idea of traveling which contradicts an average college student who's motives are to take a break and find a sense of direction.
“..to choose the best graduate program and a rejuvenate after 16 years of school.” according to White, this was her motive for taking a gap year.
Students planning to take a gap year should prioritize aspirations, working, and brushing up on their studies.
“I would recommend that if students choose to take a gap year, they continue to practice their ELA and math skills through internet tutorials. These are basic skills that you will need to be prepared for college. Students also will need to continue researching colleges to find the best fit,” Drakeford said.
A gap year is a great time for burned out students to self asses and rejuvenate although it can cause a great deal of remediation right before going back to school. It is imperative that every student stays future focused while transitioning.
