Have you heard about gap year? This is a year that high school graduates may take to volunteer, travel, work, or explore interests or passions before starting college. Is gap year a good fit for you?
- Earnings: Positives: During gap year, you can work and save up money – to help with the costs of college. Negatives: jobs are scarce for college graduates – so make sure that you find employment beforehand.
- Experience: Positives: This is an opportunity to learn about a career, get hands-on skills, and explore an interest. In this way, you may be more focused on what to major/take courses in once you start college – saving time and money. Negatives: Usually, jobs right out of high school offer low-level training. In fact, you’ll probably have to do a lot of pouring coffee and running errands for your boss
- Responsibility: Positives: Working teaches important skills – managing money, learning to problem solve, and time management. Negatives: Consider whether you are ready to work long hours versus going to frat parties.