Careers Corner
Is a gap year a good or bad idea?
Some Year 12 students are enquiring about taking a gap year.
What does a gap year involve? A gap year allows students to complete a variety of activities before committing to full time study after leaving secondary school. Sometimes university students take a gap year during their studies. They often take year off after completing one year of their degree.
Five things to consider when deciding whether to take a gap year
1. Is there something specific you want to do?
Many people take gap years because they’ve always wanted to do a special program where they go abroad or volunteer for an extended period of time. If there’s something you’ve always been itching to do, chances are you won’t have the opportunity to take a whole year off for a while. Have a browse at some of the awesome gap programs, look at online forums and talk to people you know about their gap years. There are some great opportunities out there, but they’re not for everyone so really think about whether there is anything specific you want to experience or achieve during the year.
2. Are you ready to study again?
After the intensity of the VCE, it is easy to feel burnt out. Study might seem like the last thing in the world that you want to do. Alternatively, you might be keen to begin university straight away and hit the books. It’s important to be honest with yourself as to whether you think you need a break.
3. Do you know what you want to study?
Choosing what to study at university can be extremely daunting and confusing. If you’re not sure what to do after school, taking a year off can help you to figure things out. Most people work for at least some of their gap year so it can be a great opportunity to get some work experience in fields you are interested in. This might help clarify what you want to study in the future. That said, switching degrees at university is relatively easy during first year so don’t think that you must take a gap year if you’re a smidge unsure about what to study.
4. Do you have the money?
The reality is that gap years tend to cost a bit of money, especially if you want to travel. It’s important to be realistic about how much your gap year plans will cost. That said, lots of people work for a significant proportion of their gap year, and it can be a great way to save up for university. Either way, you will probably have to work for a fair amount of the year so think about whether this is something you’d be willing to do.
5. Could you take a half gap-year?
Lots of universities have a mid-year intake for most degrees. This means you can take a “half gap year” and begin university in June to September, depending on the university. This can be a great compromise which allows you to take a break, work or travel for an extended period of time without having to delay university for a whole year. (Tip: It’s also a great option to float with your parents if they’re not super keen on gap years!)
What activities do students undertake in a gap year?
Students are free to complete whatever they choose in the year. There are so many options such as:
- Some students work full time and the money they save can help them complete overseas Study Tours or placements when they return to tertiary studies.
- In addition to completing some work, this is an opportunity for young people to complete short courses such as gaining qualifications as a barista or completing short sport or Folio building courses.
- Many students complete some voluntary work as part of their gap year.
- Travel was almost always a part of a typical gap year and this is returning as a viable option.
- Most students complete a combination of work, voluntary work, some studies and some travel.
What do students gain from a gap year?
A gap year allows young people to grow and mature as they broaden their horizons. They can develop priceless interpersonal skills as well as life, employment, social and emotional skills. Many students benefit from a break after Year 12. They recharge energy and then feel more positive about getting back to studies. Being a year older than most students in a course is never a disadvantage. In fact, having worked, travelled and learnt how to juggle commitments can set students up for greater success in the tertiary scene.
Will universities allow students to defer while keeping their course offer for the following year?
Yes, students can defer almost all courses apart from Medicine (unless there are very special circumstances).
Students must follow official procedures and formally defer as directed by the institution making them an offer.
Officially, students defer for a year, however, many institutions now allow students to take up their course in semester two if they apply to do this approximately mid semester one. So, the gap year can become a gap Semester.
A well-planned gap year can help students enormously and is certainly an option worth consideration.
Students should discuss this with their families and start investigating work, volunteering and other possibilities.
Please do not hesitate to contact the Careers and Pathways Coordinator for assistance.
Chris Kotsonis
Careers and Pathways Coordinator