Thinking of taking a gap year?
Thinking of taking a gap year?
A number of students decide to take a year out between school and university so that they can get in some work experience, earn some money, get some vocational qualifications (such as passing their driving test, IT or improving their foreign language skills) and travel abroad. The last of these can be done totally independently or on one of the many projects organised with gap year training organisations.
A well-planned gap year can enhance your soft skills such as decision making and problem solving, as well as helping you to develop independence and maturity. Like life in general, what you make of your gap year is down to you.
What are the alternatives?
Some students take a gap year after they have graduated and when they are better qualified. Also, you should consider the merits of courses which allow you to study or work abroad discussed in our page on Studying Outside of the UK.
Top Tip
Before applying to university always check that admissions staff are willing to consider deferred applications and be prepared to explain what you intend to do in your gap year. The university will want to know how your gap year activities may relate to the course you want to study. How will the experience and skills you gain set you apart from other candidates for the course and, later, from other candidates for graduate jobs?
Contact us if you would like advice on the merits and mechanics of taking a gap year as well as on schemes and courses available to students.
- Choosing a university
- Studying outside the UK
- What undergraduate degrees are there?
- Choosing a degree course
- Sandwich courses
- Entry requirements
- Timetable for applications
- When to specialise
- University accommodation
- Special needs
- Extra-curricular activities
- Student finance
- Gap years
- Alternatives to university
- Professional advice service