The Gap Year Dilemma: Why I “regret” not taking a gap year before college
Photography, video editing, adventurous hikes, repairing automobiles, playing the guitar, etc. were the things I wanted to do or learn before getting into college. For whatever reason, even till the end of high school I hadn’t learned those skills or maybe just wasn’t good at it. Throughout high school, I wanted to take a gap year before enrolling in college. When high school ended, I felt a strong need to enroll in college quickly, thinking it would allow me to graduate early and start my career ahead of peers who chose to take a gap year. While this decision might seem wise to many high school students, it’s one I have come to regret.
Why do I regret the decision? Is it because I hate my major, dislike my college, or have issues with the professors and lecturers? Not at all. You might assume these are some common reasons as to why someone would feel they made the wrong choice by going to college immediately after high school. However, the real reason for regret for most is the feeling of underpreparedness— a realization that has made me and many others rethink decisions.
For as long as modern higher education has existed, college has been viewed as sacred. Students worldwide invest immense effort during high school to get into their dream colleges. Yet, despite all this preparation, many students feel largely underprepared to step into the college environment. Why? A significant factor is comparison.
College is inherently diverse. It brings together early adults from vastly different backgrounds, each with unique skills, interests, and approaches to problem-solving. Despite its diversity, it’s surprisingly easy to feel left out. In college, everyone seems to be part of some club or social group, experimenting with new skills, networking, and having fun. This atmosphere often highlights the importance of truly knowing oneself — understanding your passions, hobbies, and interests.
Knowing yourself isn’t just about bragging to make friends (not recommended). It’s about joining communities where you can network, build meaningful relationships, and even find potential collaborators for future projects or startups. Beyond practical benefits, self-awareness is a profound psychological asset. It’s a gift that fosters confidence and clarity, invaluable traits for navigating both college and life.
So, if you’re considering a gap year, how should you approach it?
Given that I have no experience of my own, I sought advice from AI and friends who have taken gap years. Based on the answers I received, I developed a method called the “Career, Health, Interactive, Exploration, and Finance” strategy, or CHIEF for short. This strategy divides a gap year into five main domains, helping you make the most of your time before college. Here’s how it works:
The CHIEF Strategy
1. 20% Career-Oriented: Dedicate 20% of your gap year to learning, understanding, and practicing career-oriented skills. For example, if you’re planning to study computer science, spend time learning how to code or exploring trending technologies. This time can also include internships or industry certifications to gain hands-on experience.
2. 20% Health and Wellbeing: Allocate another 20% of your time to health and wellness. Go to the gym, hike, travel, practice meditation, and cultivate gratitude. Building a healthy lifestyle now will prepare you for the demands of college and beyond.
3. 30% Interactive: Spend 30% of your gap year socializing and networking. Intern, volunteer at a local organization, or teach underprivileged students in your community. These experiences help you build communication skills, expand your network, and create meaningful connections that can be beneficial in the future.
4. 10% Exploration: Use 10% of your time to explore hobbies or try new activities. Experiment with cooking, skateboarding, art, learning about automobiles, or anything else that sparks your curiosity. Exploring hobbies can help you discover hidden passions and develop a well-rounded personality.
5. 20% Finance: Devote 20% of your time to becoming financially literate. Learn about banking, budgeting, and investing. Start a side hustle or small business to apply these skills practically. Financial literacy will empower you to manage your resources effectively during college and beyond.
Why the CHIEF Strategy Works
Using the CHIEF strategy ensures you spend your gap year purposefully across diverse areas of growth. It helps you become more disciplined and self-aware, preparing you for college and future challenges. A well-structured gap year can be a great and transformative experience, enhancing your personality and equipping you with skills and traits that set you apart.
Final Thoughts
If you’re in a dilemma about whether to take a gap year, weigh the pros and cons carefully. Evaluate your readiness for college and the potential benefits of taking time to grow outside the academic environment. In my opinion, a gap year is a 10/10 recommendation. It’s a valuable opportunity to enhance yourself, discover your passions, and build a strong foundation for the future. Regardless of whatever you decide, make sure it aligns with your personal goals and aspirations.
