Should I take a year off before college?

Question

Do you think it would be a good idea totake time off before starting college? I've already been admitted tothe school i want to go to, and i might only take asemester off so i would just start in the spring and not thefall.

If I took time off I would work all summer and then backpack through europe for 1 to 2 months, come home, and then volunteer overseas for one month. Does anyone think this is a bad idea?

my parents have already said there was no discussing it, but i think if i bring them everything i've planned so far they may change their mind. (but they're really stubborn!)

another option would be to do this before going to grad school.

and another thing! i'm going to uni for photography, and i actually think taking time off would motivate me more than make me not want to go back to school, and i doubtit would hurt my chances of finding a job. i think it would be good tosee that world as my world is the size of a pinhole at the moment.

just wondering ifpeoplethinkit'sabadidea

Answer 1

If you're really dead-set on doing this, there's something else to consider. If you will have to take out loans to help you pay for your college, you will have to start paying them back if you take a break after actually graduating from college. So, from the viewpoint, it might be better to do it now.

Answer 2

Please don't delay (Wow I sound like a commercial) Waiting only will make you more nervous to begin. Besides, going to study abroad in Europe was so much more fun during college. I went to S.A.C.I in Florence italy......I sold my car to go but it was worth it. I have not taken one semester off from college (and I used to LIVE for summer vacation in Highschool) Trust me College is nothing like highschool. If you are going to study photography, your major correct? You will have an absolute fabulous time doing that all day long in college. The difference between highschool and cpollege is that you enjoy learning.  If you put it off you will regret it.I MISS College!  Crazy to think that was 3 years ago already....wow time flies! don't delay the best years of your life!   : )

Answer 3

I think you should try to go to college for at least a semester and see how it goes. Summer holidays are long and you still have the option of backpacking Europe for a couple months in the summer. You could also look at taking a couple courses in Europe if your college has international affliations (most do). Contact the student services department of your college to see what they offer. There are lots of opportunities to see the world, but education will take you to most of them. If your parents are paying for your education, and you've gained entry into your preferred institution, I would suggest starting their first. The world will then become your oyster.

Good luck!

Answer 4

Are you American? I just ask because I don't know how colleges view taking a break in other countries, and I'm American. I'm also in my last year before going to college, and I never even realistically thought of taking a break because it seems like colleges these days are so fickle. Since I'm in, I wouldn't compromise it in anyway. I think it's much safer to go before grad school, but that's just my opinion, and I don't know what the college you applied is like.

Answer 5

In this day and age, I would recommend that if you are taking a year off, do it after your first degree. It would surprise you how disconnected you may feel when out of the school system for even a year. Most of the persons I have known that have decided not to go straight into college when we graduated in 2004 still have not arrived. I don't know much about photography since it's not my field but I think that if you start working now, you'll get the taste for earning your own money and start to rationalise delaying further education. On the other hand make sure you're not going to college and spend a lot of $$$ if a shorter course is more appropriate.

As for seeing the world, I can assure you that college, especially one out of your state will definitely be a whole new world for you.

Cheers.