Taking a gap year is always a tough decision for high school students to make but it can be a very good decision. 

Firstly, it gives high schoolers a break from academics for the first time in 12 years. It is a perfect time to travel and discover new things about yourself. 

Senior Bailey Heaney is taking a gap year and explains, “I want to take a break from school for a little bit before I have to go back again.” 

Taking a break from school is one of many reasons students decide to take a gap year. But it is also time for students to dedicate themselves to reflection and self-discovery. 

One of the reasons it is good to take a gap year would be to gain work experience and save money for college because it can be very stressful to pay for. 

According to U.S. News, between 40,000 and 60,000 students take a gap year each academic year.

Commonly, you can easily feel left out because your friends are getting the college experience a year ahead of you.

Difficult transitions are a major downside of taking a gap year. Since students have not had to study and do homework for a year, many students struggle to go back to school. 

Senior Sarah Weimer says, “I believe it is hard for students to return back to school after taking a gap year because of the fact that they have not been for a year.”

The cost of taking a gap year can be very expensive due to the need for financial aid to cover expenses if you are attending a program or want to travel.

However, there are gap year programs that you can get into but they are between 5,000 and 12,000 dollars. To help you handle the cost you can speak to a financial advisor. 

If you are thinking about taking a gap year there is a lot to consider. You have to plan ahead, do a lot of research, and stay organized.