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Career & College · Posted by Noah L ·

Gap year: best decision or biggest regret?

12

I’m genuinely torn about this and I think talking it through with people who might have actual experience would help. I got into my top school but I’m seriously considering taking a gap year instead. Like, am I potentially making a huge mistake?

THE APPEAL:
– Everyone says ‘take time to figure out what you want’ but honestly I feel like I need that time
– The thought of going straight into college after 12 straight years of school is exhausting just thinking about it
– I could work, save money, reduce student debt
– Travel, volunteer, actually experience something
– My friends are doing gap years and it seems like they’re having way more fun than college students rn

THE ANXIETY:
– What if I lose my spot at my university? (they’re allowing deferrals but still)
– What if I take a year off and never go back? Like that could actually happen
– What if I fall behind my peers socially? Like everyone will already have friend groups when I arrive
– Job market stuff – what if I don’t find good work?
– Imposter syndrome makes me feel like I don’t deserve the break that others are taking

PEOPLE’S REACTIONS:
My parents are supportive but nervous. My friends are split. My guidance counselor basically said ‘you’ll be fine either way’ which is unhelpful lol.

I’m not looking for someone to make the decision for me, just… has anyone been through this? How did you know if it was the right call?

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8 replies

8 Replies

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Priya Kapoor

i took a gap year and honestly? best decision i made. worked for a nonprofit, figured out what I actually cared about, and started college with way more direction. the friend group thing is real - freshman year there were people arriving together - but honestly you make friends fast. everyone's nervous and looking to connect

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Noah L OP

wait this actually helps. did you feel like you were behind academically? like did starting a year later affect your studies at all?

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Emma B

counter perspective: i didn't take a gap year and don't regret it. I like that I was with my cohort from the start and built those relationships. but I also know people who regret NOT taking one. honestly i think it depends on your personality. if you're anxious and indecisive, a gap year might make you MORE anxious. if you're burnt out, it'll help

2
Fatima Z

real talk: a lot of people say gap years 'help you figure it out' but you can also figure it out while in college. like i went straight in and still found my passion and changed majors and all that. gap year isnt magic, it's just a different path. if you have the privilege to take one, cool. but don't feel like you're losing something if you don't

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James B

I think the key question is WHY you want the gap year. If it's 'I'm burnt out and need rest' that's valid. If it's 'I'm scared of college' that's different - a gap year won't fix that. If it's 'I want experience' that's productive. Think about the actual reason

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Noah L OP

yeah that's fair. i think honestly it's a combo of burnout and fear. not just one thing

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Isla M

the imposter syndrome thing you mentioned - listen to me - that doesn't go away with a gap year. you'll still feel it in college. so don't take time off hoping that fixes your brain. take time off if you actually need the break. but know that the self-doubt follows you regardless

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Zara A

what helped me decide: i made a list of what i WANTED to do with a gap year, not just what id avoid by taking one. if i couldn't come up with concrete plans, i went to college. having a real goal for your time off makes it way more valuable than just 'taking time'