Taking a year out between school or college and Higher Education is now a more popular option. But what are the pros and cons, what sort of things can you do and how do you go about planning a year out?
What can I do in a gap year? These are just a few things that people have done in their gap year:
- helped other people by doing voluntary work in the UK or abroad
- earned some money by working part-time or getting a temporary job
- gained useful skills like learning to drive or using a computer
- travelled abroad, either independently or through a scheme
- gained useful work experience by getting sponsored by a firm or applying to the ‘Year In Industry' scheme
- learning a language by working abroad or signing up for a night class
- working on a conservation project.
What are the advantages?
- A break from study - a chance to do something different
- More time to decide your future
- Gain skills like languages, driving or word processing
- Gain general skills like self-reliance and team work
- Do something useful for others
- Earn and save some money
- Learn about and be part of other cultures
- Get some work experience
What are the disadvantages?
- You can get out of the habit of studying
- May not be acceptable to some university departments (Maths and Science in particular)
- Takes time to plan - you can waste a year if you don't plan well
- Can cost a lot – some schemes require you to pay a lot of money to take part and going around the world doesn't come cheap
What about applying for HE?
If you're sure you want to take a year out you can apply through UCAS for deferred entry. This means that you will apply for a place to start your course a year later. Many university and college departments are happy for you to do this. Though, there are some that are not , so you need to check this out before going ahead. University prospectuses and websites will often tell you this, but if in doubt contact the institutions. You can apply at the same time as those not taking a year out, but enter on your application form that you want to defer entry.
When do I need to start planning a gap year?
It's vital to plan ahead if you want to make the most of your year out so start your research early. A year spent watching television is not likely to impress admissions tutors. Some special gap year schemes are popular and you will have to apply early.
Some cost a lot of money and you will need to know this to decide if you can afford it and give yourself time to save up. Some schemes require you to stage fund raising events and/ or obtain sponsorship. Finding part-time jobs also takes time and effort. Start early while you're still in the first year of your sixth form or college course.
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