Stanford 2018 OR Gap Year??

gmaijoe
Thu, 22 May 2014 02:35:56 +0000

Hello CCers,

I am a recently accepted student into Stanford’s class of 2018. My question is about the gap year.

I’ve heard many great things about the Gap Year, such as the time to destress, pursue passions and dreams that one couldn’t with the workload in college, and gaining more life experiences. If I were to do a Gap Year, I would take some time to make some money, move to San Francisco and hopefully find a job at a Start-Up (haven’t found one yet) and then travel the world while destressing and pursuing individual passions. However, Stanford is super tempting too and it is my dream school. I would be fine with going to college, but traveling at 18 fresh out of high school without the burden of life is a once in a lifetime opportunity.

I want to have new life experiences, have freedom, and explore the world. But I am afraid of wasting my time and/or not having enough money to live in San Francisco etc. I have until June 15th to make a final decision.

What would you do?
Love,
gmaijoe