How to Make the Most of a Gap Year
By Fiona McKenzie
For some students taking a year out between school and university has always been part of their plan. They recognise that the experiences they can gain from exploring options outside of a formal studying environment can open their eyes to new perspectives and give them valuable experiences that will ultimately make them better and more focussed students. However, for some the opportunity for a gap year maybe more last minute due to a change of heart about what to study, grades being either worse or better than expected opening up different study routes or just because they suddenly recognise that university will still be there and this is a unique time to try lots of new things and learn a different set of skills to complement the academic ones from school.
Whatever the rationale, a structured gap year is definitely the way ahead, gone are the days of it being one long beach party! Here we outline why a gap year can be a valuable and life changing experience and enhance the CV.
- Firstly, deferring entry to university is not going to ruin the chances of getting into a top university. Many universities positively embrace a student taking a year out between school and studying further. They recognise it gives students a level of independence and an ability to cope with change that will stand them in good stead when they start their course. Whether a student is applying to defer entry or taking the pressure off and applying post results, the gap year plans need to be well articulated in the personal statement to demonstrate how it will be of use at university. Be sure to check with each university that they are happy to defer – some, such as Oxford and Cambridge are unlikely to offer deferred places.
- Funding a gap year means finding a way of earning money to make it become a reality. Whether this is working in a shop or waiting tables in the local restaurant, all of these experiences are hands on practice dealing with people, learning the meaning of an 8 hour day and teaching the value of money – once you realise how many hours it takes to earn the money for a new top, you have a whole new appreciation of budgeting! These early employment opportunities are also very valuable when it comes to joining the world of work later on – a third of top graduate employers said it was very unlikely they would offer a job to a graduate with no work experience.
- Working or volunteering in another part of the world is a great opportunity to travel and work at the same time. Living and working in a country can give a deeper insight and understanding into a different culture and a different way of life. An immersive experience means making real connections with local communities and being open to making new friends. According to a survey by gapyear.com, 60% of ‘gappies’ are interested in volunteering projects. It is really important to do your research, some volunteering projects are hugely worthwhile but be wary of some of the all-inclusive travel/volunteering activities which may not be as impactful as they look.
- Whilst going travelling is often a bit scary and uncomfortable to begin with, it is a great opportunity to get out of your comfort zone and be challenged by new things; whether it is a 30 hour train journey across India or a bungy jump in New Zealand. Flexibility and adaptability will become watch words, learning how to cope with the unexpected, a bout of food poisoning that might disrupt plans or getting on the wrong bus and ending up in a totally unplanned destination. Learning to deal with adversity and turn a situation around really helps to grow confidence and resilience.
- Using a gap year to acquire a particular skill such as learning a language, a cooking course or learning an entrepreneurial skill, can also be a valuable way of spending the time. It is definitely worth looking into internships – several of the larger companies such as IBM, offer yearlong programmes for students in between school and University.
A gap year should not be a year of lying in bed dreaming of things to come, or a series of paid for and curated adventures subbed by the bank of Mum & Dad. Identifying the goals of a gap year and making a well thought through plan will ensure that each student gains the most from the experience. A gap year is for learning about self-motivation, how to get up in the morning, how to manage money and what to do when a passport gets stolen, as well as having some fabulous photos to put on Instagram to make everyone else jealous!
Planning a gap year? Contact Carfax Education for advice on how to make the most of it.
