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My mum and dad don't want me taking a gap year
oh boy, how do i convince that me taking a gap year is good?
they dont like seeing me being a year behind.
is it true people dropped out on their degrees after taking a gap year?
they dont like seeing me being a year behind.
is it true people dropped out on their degrees after taking a gap year?
Scroll to see replies
Reply 1
Something I found quickly for you...
There are so many positives for taking a gap year, look up some more stuff on Google to find persuasive, well argued points that will hopefully work wonders on your parents. More and more Uni's see gap years as a positive thing, they can really strengthen your application in some cases.
As for being a year behind, maybe you have other friends doing a 4 year (languages etc) course? So you'll finish the same time as them. And you'll gain so much it won't really matter you're a year behind.
I've not heard of many people dropping out after a gap year, and I'm sure those that have did it for the right reasons, and weren't totally committed to the idea in the first place or something along those lines. I've spoken to a few people who changed what they were going to do after taking a gap year, but really that's only a good thing, it means they're doing something they really want to do and finding out the original course wasn't for them is much better during a year out than it is half way through the second year for example.
I'm sure if you work out a persuasive argument, throw in stuff like Uni's like it, makes you more employable, you gain so much etc etc and that kinda talk, it'll start to get the message across. Show them you really want to do it, and are dedicated, and it's for you, and they'll find it hard to say no I'm sure
And if that doesn't work, stomp and scream and shout and threaten to disown then, you're 18 after all and you can do what you damn well please
:P:
Ok, maybe not the last one... :P:
gap.org.uk
Confidence
You will encounter a great variety of new people from backgrounds quite different to your own. You will also get involved in new activities and situations. You will learn new skills and improve on old ones. All this will lead to an increase in confidence, as you become more aware of what you are good at and better at getting on with people.
Independence
This may be your first opportunity to live away from home. You will have to cook for yourself, clean for yourself, get on with a group of strangers in a foreign environment, manage your money, keep yourself occupied and meet new people but without the help of old friends or family members. You will get much better at looking after yourself.
New skills
You will learn vital life skills you simply never got the chance to learn at school. You'll be more able to identify your values, interests and core strengths. You'll be better at dealing with uncertain and difficult situations, you'll learn how to negotiate, to get on with people of different backgrounds and cultures, and how to create and seize on opportunities. These skills will serve you at university, at work, with your friends, for the rest of your life.
Cultural awareness
An extended period of time spent in a specific community will make you far more aware of the differences between cultures. You'll learn why differences in religion, political system and outlook emerge and hopefully you'll eventually be treated as an equal, rather than as a tourist.
Confidence
You will encounter a great variety of new people from backgrounds quite different to your own. You will also get involved in new activities and situations. You will learn new skills and improve on old ones. All this will lead to an increase in confidence, as you become more aware of what you are good at and better at getting on with people.
Independence
This may be your first opportunity to live away from home. You will have to cook for yourself, clean for yourself, get on with a group of strangers in a foreign environment, manage your money, keep yourself occupied and meet new people but without the help of old friends or family members. You will get much better at looking after yourself.
New skills
You will learn vital life skills you simply never got the chance to learn at school. You'll be more able to identify your values, interests and core strengths. You'll be better at dealing with uncertain and difficult situations, you'll learn how to negotiate, to get on with people of different backgrounds and cultures, and how to create and seize on opportunities. These skills will serve you at university, at work, with your friends, for the rest of your life.
Cultural awareness
An extended period of time spent in a specific community will make you far more aware of the differences between cultures. You'll learn why differences in religion, political system and outlook emerge and hopefully you'll eventually be treated as an equal, rather than as a tourist.
There are so many positives for taking a gap year, look up some more stuff on Google to find persuasive, well argued points that will hopefully work wonders on your parents. More and more Uni's see gap years as a positive thing, they can really strengthen your application in some cases.
As for being a year behind, maybe you have other friends doing a 4 year (languages etc) course? So you'll finish the same time as them. And you'll gain so much it won't really matter you're a year behind.
I've not heard of many people dropping out after a gap year, and I'm sure those that have did it for the right reasons, and weren't totally committed to the idea in the first place or something along those lines. I've spoken to a few people who changed what they were going to do after taking a gap year, but really that's only a good thing, it means they're doing something they really want to do and finding out the original course wasn't for them is much better during a year out than it is half way through the second year for example.
I'm sure if you work out a persuasive argument, throw in stuff like Uni's like it, makes you more employable, you gain so much etc etc and that kinda talk, it'll start to get the message across. Show them you really want to do it, and are dedicated, and it's for you, and they'll find it hard to say no I'm sure
And if that doesn't work, stomp and scream and shout and threaten to disown then, you're 18 after all and you can do what you damn well please
:P:Ok, maybe not the last one... :P:
Reply 2
Astudentinneed
oh boy, how do i convince that me taking a gap year is good?
they dont like seeing me being a year behind.
is it true people dropped out on their degrees after taking a gap year?
they dont like seeing me being a year behind.
is it true people dropped out on their degrees after taking a gap year?
A year behind in what? Life? Life is not a race, take a gap year if you like you, don't let them live your life. Anyway, if you take a gap year and then continue to do a 3 year course are no more "behind" in your parents distorted view than if you did a 4 year course rather than a 3 year course.
People drop out from university all the time. There are no statistics to indicate that taking a gap year will increase your chance of dropping out.
Reply 3
Why do you NEED to convince them, anyway? Are they paying your way through uni? (If yes, then can understand your needing to appease them.)
If not, do what you want to do, regardless.
If not, do what you want to do, regardless.
Reply 4
A gap year might be ideal if you have something worthwhile planned for it. If you are sure that taking a year out won't diminish your ability and motivation for study then yes it is a good idea.
Reply 6
Although if you're doing something like maths, unis don't like you taking a gap year, so I would make sure it won't affect your application too
Reply 7
Astudentinneed
oh boy, how do i convince that me taking a gap year is good?
they dont like seeing me being a year behind.
is it true people dropped out on their degrees after taking a gap year?
they dont like seeing me being a year behind.
is it true people dropped out on their degrees after taking a gap year?
I won't be a year behind, I'll have time to travel the world, learn a new language, work in a 'proper job' and read more. So I reckon if anything I'll be a year ahead of others.
If your determined enough to do a degree then why on earth would a gap year make you drop out?
I guess the people who drop out are those who wern't sure about uni in the first place.Also why would you need to convince your parents? what does it have to do with them. Its your life- not theirs.
Reply 10
Champagne-Dahling
Why do you NEED to convince them, anyway? Are they paying your way through uni? (If yes, then can understand your needing to appease them.)
If not, do what you want to do, regardless.
If not, do what you want to do, regardless.
i like some support
Reply 11
i had the same problem with my parents last christmas. i always said i wanted a gap year after college but i think they were taken aback when it came to applications for university and i wasnt applying... but they came around. I think the main thing is to make sure u plan it well. 
Reply 12
Most of my friends at uni seem to consider me a year ahead of them in real terms, just because if all the experience i've had and i'll graduate at the same time as about half of them because alot of them are doing 4 year courses.
MAybe if you apply for deferred entry to uni your parents will be a little less scared that you wouldn't go - it's also easier than sorting it out in your gap year. And as far as i know, the stats say that people who've taken a gap year are less likely to drop out of uni once they're there.
MAybe if you apply for deferred entry to uni your parents will be a little less scared that you wouldn't go - it's also easier than sorting it out in your gap year. And as far as i know, the stats say that people who've taken a gap year are less likely to drop out of uni once they're there.
you will learn more than education could ever teach you, you dont need there blessing do it!!! it'll be soooo much fun education can wait it isn't going anywhere whats a year!
if anything i think it'll make going to uni easier after some chill out time etc
go now!! you'll definately regret it otherwise
if anything i think it'll make going to uni easier after some chill out time etc
go now!! you'll definately regret it otherwise
you got to ask yourself whay are you taking the gao year and is it worth it?
but yeah i, myself, do not like the idea of being a year behind my friends if you get what i mean, like i know its not a race or anything but thats waht i think, if you should take it, tell your parents that you know what you are doing since they are onyl worrying abou their child which is natural. no need to be so defensive about if if you get what i mean
but yeah i, myself, do not like the idea of being a year behind my friends if you get what i mean, like i know its not a race or anything but thats waht i think, if you should take it, tell your parents that you know what you are doing since they are onyl worrying abou their child which is natural. no need to be so defensive about if if you get what i mean
Reply 15
I took a gap year this year mainly because I just wanted a break from exams and coursework etc. I wish I could have done more though (I wanted to go traveling, but due to lack of monies...) but yeh, its been ok. Just make sure you plan what your gonna do, otherwise the year will just fly by!
Reply 16
Oh well, what can you do...
I was in a similar situation. Its your life and they cannot stop you.
If you really want to, run away from home and claim council housing and benefits.
I was in a similar situation. Its your life and they cannot stop you.
If you really want to, run away from home and claim council housing and benefits.
Reply 17
Oh, and most of my old friends from school will be going into their 3rd years at Uni. I dont really care, because like others have said, its not a race. Just go at your own pace!
Reply 18
Its definitely silly to say youll be a year behind because lots of people do four year courses so you might graduate with them anyway. Ive had a gap year and an industrial placement year so Im now 2 years 'behind'. However all my friend are jealous saying they wish there were still students! And some of them are really regretting not taking gap years because now after uni they cant afford it.
Reply 19
Tell your parents to **** themselves. It's your life, your future, your decision. Take four gap years if you don't know what to do.
Since when did life become a race to your death?
Since when did life become a race to your death?
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