Gap year: Is it worth the trouble?
The concept of gap years is common amongst students. But, do you think it's worth the trouble? Find out what Shiksha thinks about this.
Talking to students – from various demographies and streams - is one thing that I love the most about my job. The conversations always provide a different perspective, emphasising the different methods they adopt towards their studies or ultimate goals. Obviously, a student aiming to become an IAS officer will have a different approach towards his aim (including exam preparation) than someone aspiring to be a doctor or an engineer or wanting to climb the corporate ladder.
Nevertheless, there’s one thing common among all and that’s the concept of a gap year. Given a chance, I might not take one but I’ve come across many people (including some of my closest friends) from all streams who believe in it and have also given it a shot at some point in their lives. Their choice, when questioned, seemed sound enough.
Intense competition is seen across streams in the form of high percentile required for admissions. And with every passing year, the cut-offs of aspirational institutes are going only one way and that is up. Remember how the 100 per cent cut-off became almost a joke among SRCC aspirants? If only the college saw it as one... And while we brag about the fact that India is a young nation with more than half the population below the age of 25, this same data adds to admission and exam woes.
Also Read:
- How to justify gap year in IIM interviews?
- Taking a gap year for MBA preparation? How to plan it right
With more people vying for the limited number of college seats, the level of competition is increasing manifold. Students with above average intelligence have an edge, but the larger number is of average students and they can really only do one thing - dedicate more time for studies... Not just for the all-important Class 12th exam but also all the Engineering and Medical and MBA entrance tests that they might wish to take.
In Europe and US, the concept of gap year is well-accepted. Students out there opt to take a year off after their high school graduation and before admission to a college course, to explore life in general and to focus on things non-academic.
On the contrary, Indian students buy the additional time (but not to explore their inner selves) only to prepare for entrance exams and work towards a good percentile that ensures admission in a top notch institute.
Gap Year: Yes or No?
Well, there are many theories for and against the decision to opt for a gap year.
For:
- A gap year provides you with ample time to refresh your mind and study with a clear focus
- Gives additional time to cover more topics, thereby, increasing one’s knowledge
- More time for preparation makes you better equipped to appear for high level entrance exams
- Since there is no college to attend, you can completely focus on the entrance test preparation, which may not be possible in the limited period between Class 12th and entrance exams
Against:
- Gap year puts a break in studies.
- No guarantee of scoring high in entrance exams even after dedicating extra years
- Takes a student a year or so behind his or her peers
The funda, here in India, is that if a student opts for a gap year and achieves his target of scoring high, there are praises from all ends and the choice of opting for a gap year is highly appreciated. But in case you don’t manage to get the desired results, the brickbats and pointing fingers can lead one into depression.
Personally, I feel it's best to get done with the exams in the stipulated time one has right after the Class 12th exam. The entrance tests (in case of engineering and medical tests) have been designed to keep enough space between the Class 12th exam and the entrance tests. After all, you are already in the exam mode. Moreover, the syllabus isn’t very different. You only need to push yourself that extra mile for the entrance exams.
I am probably among those who like to play safe but I don't think opting for a gap year ensures great results. I feel, it brings an aspirant an inch closer to the frustration and low self esteem in case the desired results are not achieved. It's better to try and make the most of the time available to you.
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