If I had gone straight to college, I don’t think it would have ended well. I wouldn’t have been motivated to do the necessary college research, so I would have grudgingly gone to State U, which is a good school but a poor fit for me. I probably would have been deeply unhappy and subsequently dropped out to get a job.
Instead…I worked full-time for two years after I graduated, and now go to my perfect-fit college. I’m much more motivated to work hard and do well than I would have been otherwise, because I’m at the right school for me and have an idea of what field I want to work in post-grad. I wouldn’t have had either of those things if I had gone straight out of high school.
Gap years aren’t necessarily a good fit for every student - but I would love to see them more widely considered as a positive option. I think many students are discouraged by concerns from peers/guidance counselors/parents that are largely unfounded.