Mind the Gap, as in Your Gap Year!

Mind the Gap. I used to see this sign quite a bit as I waited for a ride on the Underground (subway) when I studied abroad in England. The recording of a woman with a British accent warning, "Mind the gap," still runs through my head when I think of that saying. For you, though, this may mean something different if you are thinking about a Gap Year before pursuing an advanced degree.

Why a Gap Year makes sense? (or cents?!!)

Make the time to find a position related to what you want to study in the future. Thinking of applying to medical or vet school but feel you need added clinical experience? Use this year to gain more experience and test out the field you're considering. Actually, some advanced degree programs, like MBAs, require that you have several years of experience before you apply.

Maybe you're like me - when I graduated, I was so ready to take a break from writing papers and researching assigned topics. I was done spending my time in the library or typing away on a paper. And if you take a Gap Year, there is an added bonus: NO HOMEWORK!

Use this time to save some money to apply toward your future education. Many graduate or professional schools have extremely high price tags, so making some cash before you take on that financial commitment is a smart plan. It does "make cents," doesn't it?

During your Gap Year, you might find an employer who supports your advanced study, meaning a Gap Year may not even be needed. You can keep right on working as you pursue your degree with your current employer paying for it (depending on what you're studying).

In this year, you have time to learn more about yourself and the world of work if you're unsure what you want to study. A Gap Year gives you more time to do research on programs, interview various professionals, and prepare for the application process, some of which are very rigorous and competitive.

Not happy with your LSAT score for law school? You can work to improve your scores on entrance tests. I took the LSAT and applied to law schools after taking more than one Gap Year. Neither my score nor my barely cum laude GPA were high enough for the law schools where I applied, so after more thought and planning about my future, I took the GMAT and applied to MBA programs, which worked out.

Still another way to spend this 12 months is to use this time to live and travel in a different part of the world. There are organizations that offer international internships or if your English speaking skills are strong, you could pursue teaching English as a Second Language or working for some sort of service program. The Global Education Office has helpful links for you to research these kinds of opportunities while Career Services provides you access to over 40 Country Guides with GoinGlobal.

Embrace Ut Prosim spending a Gap Year (or two) before pursuit of an advanced degree by working for AmeriCorps, the Peace Corps, or Teach For America. Bonus: after you honor your commitment, these organizations assist you financially in your pursuit of additional education.

Those are just some of the advantages of taking a break from higher education after completing your bachelor's degree. Be sure you use your time wisely during your Gap Year. Seek out assistance from Career Services whether you're deciding on the direction you will take during your break from school, or you need help with your applications to graduate or professional schools. If you decide to take a Gap Year, we're here to help you "Mind the Gap."