Ever since Junior year of High School, I knew I wanted to take a gap year before college. My money is saved and I am ready to explore who I really am. My main reason for taking a year off is to understand what I want to do. I am so clueless and feel that I need some sort of life experience to ground me to reality.
However, everyone always told me it was a terrible idea. I registered for Community College and set up my classes, got good financial aid… and while everything is set and orderly, I am still upset that I didn’t take my gap year. I feel that I would benefit so greatly from the experience off. Not to sit around and pretend it’s summer, but to get out of my comfort zone and help myself establish the person I have to “choose” to become in the coming years.
I know that I “want” to do it, but can I? I did not accept any financial aid and school does not start until the end of August.
Any suggestions as to how I should go about dropping classes and starting again next year?
It varies from school to school so I don’t think anyone on here can be of much help. Best thing to do is call the school and ask them about dropping and re-registering for a future semester. See if you are out any money if you drop now.
Hi,
I think doschicos is right in that you are definitely best discussing it with your college administrators to find out how they would recommend handling it. Each school is different in how they approach the specifics of deferring for a year.
I think you are absolutely right to do it though! Gap years are a unique opportunity for really exploring who you are and what you want to do in life and if that is something you feel you would benefit from, you should definitely do it. Whilst it is a very established route for students in countries such as the UK and Australia, it is a relatively new concept in the US so it can be challenging to persuade family and friends of its benefits. But if it’s right for you, don’t give up - you won’t regret doing it but you might regret not doing it.
Good luck!
Shona @ Africa & Asia Venture (AV)