PROS & CONS OF EDUCATION GAPS
OAND A-level 2017 results are out and most graduates are planning the next step for their career paths. However, some students are already planning on taking a break for the rest of the year. Trust Academy career guidance section has come up with the following pros and cons of taking education gap to assist graduates as they plan. PROS (1) Explore your interests. Often, students spend high school juggling schedules packed with college preparatory courses, sports and other extracurricular activities, and work and volunteer commitments. This means you may not have had time to holistically explore your interests as well as potential careers that align with them. A gap year that includes practical experience in a field that interests you can help you to focus on selecting a college major that fits your personality, interests, and strengths, saving you time and money once you get to campus.
(2) Recharge your battery. After four years (or more!) of racing to complete homework, fitting in play practice, and balancing family and work commitments, a gap year offers time to take a breath and refresh before again entering a challenging academic world. This doesn’t mean you sleep in, play video games, or watch TV all day, but giving your brain a breather can help make the transition to college a fresh experience.
(3) Travel the world. While not everyone is lucky enough to do so, enrolling in an organised gap year programme abroad gives you the opportunity to mature and gain independence while exploring a new place with a language and culture different from your own. Think of it as study abroad, before even beginning college. Take advantage of the opportunity to expand your perspective and bring these insights with you when you start college next year.
(4) Give back. Whether you participate in a structured service gap year (such as community/national service year) or volunteer at a variety of organisations in your own community, a year of service can help you learn more about yourself and the needs around you, giving you a fresh perspective.
(5) Refine your skills. Are you bringing a special talent with you to college? Many students take a year to hone their craft by attending academies, playing on specialised teams, or immersing themselves in workshops to be well prepared to exercise their talent on campus. Whether it is an overseas soccer experience, a writing workshop, or a dance academy, plenty of opportunities exist to allow you to improve your skills or gain practical work experience over a semester/term or an entire year. CONS 1. Keep track of the money. Just because your higher education institution will allow you to defer a year doesn’t mean that your financial aid does the same. Eligibility for Government student aid & graduate trainee-ship is determined on a yearly basis, which means you will need to stay on top of Government and institutional aid & graduate trainee-ship deadlines and re-apply for aid while on your gap year.
2. Confirm with your school. Even though some schools are accommodative to defers and recommends gap years, not every institution allows students to defer enrolment. If you’re considering a gap year, note that some universities do not allow deferrals, meaning that you will have to go through the application process once again or risk not being offered the degree programme due age limits.
3. Consider the trade-offs/opportunity cost. Taking a year out of the classroom may seem idyllic until you enrol in your degree of preference for example Applied Mathematics, studying calculus and realise you’ve completely forgotten what in the world L’Hospital’s Rule is.
4. Likelihood of failing to complete studies. Some research suggests that students who defer college entry are less likely to complete academically when they get to college. Taking a gap year may also mean being out of sync with friends who will be beginning college on a more traditional schedule, and missing out on those shared experiences.
For free career guidance counselling, visit us at 3rd floor Haddon and Sly Building, Cnr 8th Avenue and Fife Street, Bulawayo. Or call our numbers 09-883690 or WhatsApp number 0773616665.