The Gap Year

In recent years, the concept of the gap year has become more common for high school graduates to consider before entering postsecondary institutions. A gap year is defined as, “a period of time which an individual takes ‘out’ of formal education, training, or the workforce where that time sits in the context of a longer term career trajectory.” (Martin) A gap year can be beneficial in many aspects including: identifying with one’s self, broadening horizons, and building a strong resume. Whether it is for a year or two, differing from postsecondary enrollment is instrumental in the development of high school graduates.

As a result of the Gap year, students develop a greater sense of self. Potential university students are in “a liminal life course position, neither dependent children or fully independent adults.” (King) The Gap year aids young people to identify with themselves as they come to terms with their changing status. The year prepares students for the “self-directedness and maturity” that is needed when entering postsecondary intuitions. And in turn, it reflects higher performance outcomes, better career choices, and other life skills that can be applied to various tasks. The gap year provides a possible clarity to tough decisions by unveiling goals and intentions around post high school plans that may not have been considered during high school. (Martin) By increasing the levels of self-confidence, maturity, and independence, the gap year opens door to opportunities that might not have been available or acknowledged during high school. Ensuring for a smooth transition form high school to university, “ the Gap year represents an individualized form of life planning, a forum for young people to reflexively construct a se...

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...p year which will result in clarity around their choices and the persistence to execute those choices. Granted this is usually the case for the unmotivated student, sometimes the gap year works to refocus and reassess at students situation as long as it is used properly.

The Gap Year is indeed, an excellent tool for self-identifying and creating a clear objectives. Nonetheless, students need to take full advantage of the opportunities offered by the Gap Year such as: traveling, volunteering, and part-time work. Yet, students should be weary of the possible negative outcomes that could occur like, becoming to confortable and unmotivated. At the same time students need to be susceptible to change and take every experience and learn from it. They need to let their experiences appear in their personalities, so they are seen as individuals rather than another applicant.