College can be a difficult transition from high school. After all, you go from having a set schedule full of
parental rules to complete freedom. No one can tell you to go to class, do your homework, or study. When you
go off to college, your life changes overnight.
This transition can make it difficult for students to succeed. Of course, some students fresh out of high school
do exceptionally well throughout their academic careers. They are driven, competitive, and know how to
balance their social lives with schoolwork. But if you’ve had trouble in this area, delaying college for a year
might not be a bad idea. The 50% dropout rate in American universities speaks for itself.
You may be thinking, “But I know someone who said they were taking a year off and they never went back.”
This is true in many cases. However, if US colleges had a system where it was considered normal to wait a year
and experience the real world, it might help students keep their feet on the ground. For example, many college-
bound students in the UK take a “gap year” between secondary school and university to travel, work, or
volunteer abroad.
After their gap year, students continue to pursue degrees. This system allows them to mature while being away
from home. If they do encounter difficulties adjusting, it doesn’t affect their academic career. You do a lot of
growing up in your first year on your own and coping with the responsibilities of an adult is easier with real-life
experience.
Before leaping into college, it’s important to weigh your other options. Sit down and think about whether or not
you really want to go, and what your reasons are. Let’s say you want to go to college because it’s supposed
to be the next step in your life. You really want to get away from your parents so you can party and not worry
about getting caught. If this is the case, you’re probably not ready.
If you really want to enroll in a university’s pre-vet program because it’s your dream of becoming a
veterinarian, look at schools that offer that major. See if you can sit in on some classes at a local university to
see if the program is right for you.
If you know you want to go to college but you’re not sure if you’re ready, consider talking to your parents about
a gap year. If you’re really not sure about college, weigh your other options. Talk to your parents about
culinary school, flight school, the military, or a number of other careers.
Be confident in the choice you make. It’s important to be ready for whatever path you chose but staying
dedicated and thinking about the end result is what will ultimately allow you to succeed.
College Assurity is having a Free online workshop “How to Strategically Position for College Acceptance
during the COVID-19 Pandemic” February 23 rd , February 25 th , February 27th
Topics include:
● How I spent My Covid-19 Staycation – Common Application Essay
● What impresses college admissions officers
● Advantages/Disadvantage for students taking a gap year?
● Why you should take SAT/ACT
● How Social Media can hurt your Student
● How to receive “FREE” Money regardless of Income or Assets