A Gap Year Analysis

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When asked of what’s the next step after graduating from high school ? The answer is usually university. The transition between high school and university is a bridge to pursue goals, realize dreams and worship knowledge. It is a significant period that will mold one’s future. Fresh high school graduates will most likely enroll in a university to continue with their education flow. However, the practice of taking a gap year before university is slowly trending and gradually rising with each passing year. Students should consider taking a gap year before entering university because they can make use of the time to clarify their goals, enrich their experience or just take a rest.
Many useful experiences can be gained if the gap year is used constructively. …show more content…

Ralph Marston, a former professional football player said “Rest when you’re weary. Refresh and renew yourself, your body, your mind, your spirit. Then get back to work.” ( Ralph Marston 2014 ) Students have been straining their brains and overworking their bodies to strive for better performance during their entire school life. The piling workloads as they advance from primary to secondary to tertiary education certainly do not ease the situation. It is necessary for them to take a break from this exhausting education treadmill. Taking a detour from this monotonous pattern of studying also allows students to return to their studies with renewed vigor. They are able to focus better in class and perform well academically. Bob Clagett from American Gap Association conducted a survey on the academic performances between "gappers" and "non-gappers". The results show that students who took a gap year have higher overall GPA compared to those who didn’t (2013). That being the case, students should consider pausing for a while instead of plummeting directly into university life.
In conclusion, taking a gap year is beneficial to students in terms of academic performance, mental development and determining goals. When used constructively, taking a gap year before entering university is actually a big leap ahead of the others. The experiences and knowledge acquired during this period will help students to perform well during their university life. Their mind and body is also sufficiently rested to continue striving for excellence. It is the best preparation one can get before boarding the train to the final stop of

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