Do you deem college the ideal first step after completing your high school years? While there is nothing wrong with taking this approach, it seems as if an increasing number of students are not jumping right into college once they leave high school.

Some prefer taking time off to focus on other areas of life outside of school. That’s what we commonly refer to as a gap year, and it can be a healthy way to start a college career. You can regard to a gap year as the time between graduating from high school and going off to college.

However, you need to factor in the pros and cons of a gap year before taking this approach. And that’s precisely what this quick guide will help you do today.

The good thing about taking a gap year is that it serves as the perfect opportunity to gain work experience. This is especially the case if you were a busy high school student. Actually, taking a gap years gives you the opportunity to get some work experience. That work experience can help you determine if the path you’re considering will be a good one for your own life experiences, goals, and skills.

It doesn’t end at that since you can use this as the ideal time to explore opportunities. Keep in mind there are many life experiences out there after school. You might have the freedom to travel, explore areas around your own home, or get to know people of your comfort zone. These kinds of experiences are valuable in a different way than classroom experiences and are worth trying.

On the downside, taking a gap year will leave you feeling behind your peers. When you go to school after your year offer, some of your peers will be a year ahead of you. Actually, you may be one of the older freshmen in your class and that’s something you might not be ready to contend with.

Either way, be sure to examine the pros and cons of a gap year before deciding on the next step of action.