Taking a 'Gap Year' Before College: Pros and Cons

Malia Obama will take a year off, known as a gap year, before entering Harvard University in the fall of 2017. University of Michigan sociology professor Elizabeth Armstrong joins Lunch Break with Tanya Rivero and explains the pros and cons of students waiting a year before going to college. Photo: Getty

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[Bella-kepr]

I strongly suggest taking a year off after graduation or at least a semester to plan your future wisely. There's no rush. You don't have to have everything together by 22.

[delisaeaster]

why does this news lady sound sarcastically rude?

[bookishwriter]

I will take a year off. I just want to find out who I am and what I want without the pressure of having to manage school at the same time. It's been years since I could do something without having to think about how it could effect my future. Travelling for a long time, publishing a book without my grades suffering because of the commitment needed to finish and publish it, doing stuff without thinking "I can't do that, I'm busy studying" is just not possible while in school. After finishing school, I'm free for the first time since like 13 years or more (I'm from Germany, some schools have 12 grades, some have 13)
For 13 years, I wasn't able to do things without thinking about studying, exams and my future.
A gap year offers enough opportunities to do just that.

[fatimaespin]

I use to be so against taking a gap year but I took one anyways and it’s the best thing I could have ever done

[krash]

ngl if you really believe a gap year will benefit your mental health or anything else just do it. your living for yourself, if your parents are going to be mad or frustrated, let em. eventually we all are going to move out and become adults. no matter how mad your parents get it’s your life and they brought u in this world to enjoy it because nothing in this world is promised except death. so why not enjoy it till our time comes?

[The_Youtube_Winner]

“but what should kids be doing? internships? community service?” bruh. HOW ABOUT NOTHING. why do you have to always be doing something in this culture? you’ve already been in school for almost 2 decades if you just graduated highschool just chill for 12 months at least. who cares?

[doncarlos]

We are forced to watch this in our english lesson.

[amandasaurusrex]

wthh, , the news person keeps interrupting the lady

[ratentertainment]

the interviewer is very annoying and won't let the interviewee finish her sentences :(

[semdavidtimothysitanggang]

In Asia, gap year means you fail to get to college in first year after you are graduated from highschool and it is a disgrace because you are fallen behind your batch

[octavian-eusebiuhalici]

I'm watching this video while considering taking a gap year.
I'll be back this time next year to tell you what I did. Wish me best of luck!

[trumanway]

This is literally just two moms talking about there kids and I Iove it.

[muffincupcakeprincess]

Who here are graduates of 2023 wondering if they should take a gap year 🙋🏽‍♀️

[NowhereBeats]

I think it is better to work for a few years in non-technical jobs; like sales and marketing or HR. This will give you a chance to learn what you like and dislike in working and will also earn you money and make your CV look great.
Also if you do a 'travelling' gap year when you apply for jobs in the future many employees will be very interested in how you pay for it and will be sceptical you are a spoilt middle class kid who won't fit in with the company.

[Lines]

If you can do a 2 year stint in the Army and get your tuition paid that way before college, I think that's an excellent option.

[manuelseda]

Lady stop cutting of the actual professional! 🙄

[vixikie]

People should have no rights of judging someone like this. Who cares what everybody else thinks. People are so obsessed about what other people do, especially famous people. Why even make it a big deal if someone wants to take a gap year of or not lol. There are bigger problems around the world that are more important. Taking a gap year is not lazy but smart, no matter who you are or what you do during that time. Work, travel or just chill. Especially smart before enter a difficult and competitive university like Harvard!

[inscseeker]

hey, I am technically younger than my same year friends by 1 year already, but Asian people frowning on gap years ? makes me think twice

[finleythegolden]

My gap year was spent worki ghalf of the year and then going to Asia to be an English teacher.

[lydiatessmannmulling]

🎯 Key Takeaways for quick navigation:

00:00 *🎓 Benefits of Taking a Gap Year*
- Taking a gap year before college can offer additional space for personal growth and autonomy.
- Funding the gap year might pose a challenge for many families, but entering the workforce during this time can also be beneficial.
- Gap years provide an opportunity for psychological and emotional development, allowing students to gain maturity before entering college.
02:17 *✈️ Recommendations for Gap Year Activities*
- Independent travel arrangements are recommended to foster autonomy and personal growth.
- Engaging in community service or internships are also valuable options.
- Students should have some financial responsibility during their gap year, such as working to save money for their activities.
03:23 *💰 Financial Challenges and Privilege in Gap Years*
- Financing a gap year may be easier for privileged families, highlighting socioeconomic disparities.
- While gap years can offer benefits, they may also exacerbate inequalities.
- The prevalence of gap years among US students is increasing, although systematic research on its commonality is lacking.

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