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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2009
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 OPINION 
17

High School Seniors: Skip College

Taking a year off makes sense for most

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(Newser) – A private consultant who makes a living helping high school seniors get into college has some unexpected advice for them: Don't do it. Take at least a year off instead, writes Gwyeth T. Smith. Yes, the idea of the "gap year" has been around a while, but the lousy economy combined with the increasing rat-race aspect of the admissions process makes it sound advice for most students these days.

Too often, students spend their high school years "preening for colleges" instead of genuinely reflecting on "who they want to become," writes Smith in the Washington Post. That's not a new problem, but today's weak job market and skyrocketing tuition costs make it an expensive one to fix. A year off, wisely spent, can only help—not only the student but the entire out-of-whack system.

High school seniors shouldn't be in such a rush to get to college.
High school seniors shouldn't be in such a rush to get to college.   (Shutter Stock)
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I'd rather see most of these young men and women far from a campus for a while. I urge them to bus tables in a restaurant, apprentice for an architect or pull weeds on a community farm. - Gwyeth T. Smith

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17 comments
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dax
Nov 7, 09 11:12 AM CST
For many students, this is sound advise. Not withstanding that there are perks and financial supports for HS grads who segue immediately into college, that might not be available to that person later, there are other benefits in waiting.-----Given the atmospheric rise in college costs (with some public colleges now well above $60k for 4 yrs) it places an unrealistic pressure on an 18 year old to decide on a career path. Better they get out and work awhile and experience a variety of possibilities. After which they can approach college with a broader and more developed perspective, and perhaps be able to apply themselves to their studies with the new found maturity that comes from working.---- Of course, in this economy the pickings are slim for jobs, demanding more persistence, but that in itself is a valuable lesson. Good luck to all young graduates. Reply
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+8
IN RESPONSE:
WordsInRows
Nov 8, 09 4:25 AM CST
Funny that you know how to spell "segue", yet you do not know how to spell "advice". I wonder if you ran your comment through a word processor application first. Are you really qualified to give advice to high school seniors?
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-4
Rocket448
Nov 7, 09 12:01 PM CST
Certainly a 18/yr thinks of him/herself as an adult, but really there are few who are. A year off can season a young person, and if college is still appealing, the mind will be pliable through the age of 30 at least. Find and enjoy a job for a year or two. And good luck to you. Reply
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+3
Face-Of-RNC
Nov 7, 09 12:07 PM CST
My observations have shown me that when a break is introduced in the formal education process, too many never return to it. My own advice is, if you can get into college, do so. And stay there until your goal is met. Reply
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+12
IN RESPONSE:
littleoopie
Nov 7, 09 4:25 PM CST
That may be true, but I think that if the person really wants to go back and achieve a goal academically they will do it no matter what. I've taken two five year breaks between returning back to school, and am doing very well in my program. My main motivator was the crappy full-time job I had a Wal-Mart. I think that once young people work a full time job at minimum wage they realize the importance of a college degree and are willing to work harder for their grades.
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+4

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