After graduating high school, I immediately started on my BA. Upon completing my BA, I immediately started my MA. I am now applying for a PhD program, but this is my first gap year in my entire life. I find that this is in the minority. Most people aren’t in the mindset to study for such a long time, but I am a student at heart. I love studying, reading, writing critical papers, and attending conferences. I can’t imagine not being in academics.
Would I recommend such a course for everyone? No, not even close. However, I do think that if someone intends to take a gap year right after graduating high school, they should have some sort of plan in mind. What are you going to do during that year? What do you plan to study when you do go back to school? Where do you want that education to get you?
I would also strongly encourage high school graduates to consider community college before attending a four-year university if they are unsure about what major they want to commit to or what career they eventually wish to seek. Many community colleges are designed so that you can transition to a four-year-university and have bridge programs set up for you to get your GE out of the way. It’s typically less expensive, though overcrowded. However, for someone who eventually wishes to gain a higher education but still has reservations, I think this is a better option than spending a year out of school.