Gap Year before studying Maths

Firstly, sorry if this is the wrong place (I wasn't sure if it belonged here or in the 'Gap Year' section)

I am currently in year 12 and thinking ahead.
I want to do maths at uni but also want to take a gap year. I have read in many places that they do not necessarily like people taking a gap year before maths because people lose touch with the subject.
If I was to take a gap year I hope to get on an accounting gap year programme (so I would still be working with numbers for most of the year).

Would universtities dislike it if I took a gap year?
Does anyone have experience of taking a gap year before studying maths?
Any more comments?

Reply 1

hyjuice

Take the gap year. As long as you don't forget most of your A-level MAths by the end of the gap year then its fine. Unis are only disliking it because they will think you will have forgotton all your important equations etc. So go for it!

Reply 2

Singh_87

15

As long as you do something constructive in your gap year, ie the placement, then universities tend not too mind. For your own reassurance, just print off an exam paper and try and do the questions once in a while :p:

Reply 3

Anarchy Everywhere

2

Just a question which is a little off-topic, (not a direct question) what's the point of having a gap year if all you will be doing is working? I don't see the logic behind it as even if it's work experience and money I doubt it would be more profitable than just doing the degree and putting that year into use as work after your degree where it will be greater pay.

Reply 4

Mini-Cooper

OP

7

With the gap year programmes I have been looking at you work for 7 months (In the other 5 I hope to travel) It will also offer me a job during the Summer whilst I am at Uni and it will guarantee me a job when I have graduated, and hopefully a scholarship for when I'm at Uni.

Reply 5

Singh_87

15

Mini-Cooper

With the gap year programmes I have been looking at you work for 7 months (In the other 5 I hope to travel) It will also offer me a job during the Summer whilst I am at Uni and it will guarantee me a job when I have graduated, and hopefully a scholarship for when I'm at Uni.

Although you are not guaranteed a graduate job if you get onto the gap year programme, I am led to believe that you have a very good chance if you get the scholarship. (For PwC anyways)

after your degree where it will be greater pay.

Money is not everything. Work experience is invaluable, especially within certain professions.

Right k cheers.

Yeah, I was a little worried about this... I've applied for Maths and Actuarial Studies at Soton, and I've received an offer (applying post A-level). At the interview they didn't really seem that bothered about taking a year out of education, but I suppose it varies with unis. I guess the best I can do is look up the relevant topics before going to uni... (if I choose this course that is)

Reply 8

Abra

14

Mustard-man - how did you write a P.S for Pharmacy and Maths?

Reply 9

Mustard-man

18

Sent the Maths choice a separate personal statement

Reply 10

tourist

9

Some universities dislike their Mathematics undergraduates taking gap years becuase you do tend to forget things (God knows I have...) however it is possible to do something to support your maths during your year out.

I am doing a placement in my gap year with the Year In Industry scheme, most people on this scheme need maths at uni and so whilst doing your paid work placement (http://www.yini.org.uk/faq.php#25 having difficulty finding some more info on this for you...) so you can upkeep your maths skills. YINI is very engineering based so not sure what kind of luck you'd have finding accounting placements through them but you could consider e.g. taking further maths a level in your gap year (if you have not already done it at school) whilst doing a placement.

Don't discount the gap year but do think of your maths ability, seriously in about 6 months i've got from A grade maths to having difficulty with c1/c2 so worth thinking about how to keep ze maths ticking over :smile:

Reply 11

Anarchy Everywhere

2

Out of intrest what course you applying for LSE tourist?

Reply 12

tourist

9

I probably shouldn't be in the forum cause I'm applying for the VL31 Economics and Economic History!

Reply 13

The J-Man

2

I am applyin for maths and have already deferred my entry to 2008. All my unis didnt seem to care at all.

Reply 14

Anarchy Everywhere

2

tourist

I probably shouldn't be in the forum cause I'm applying for the VL31 Economics and Economic History!

You sicken me, Mods ban this vile creature, the cheek of him to come into a maths forum with an economic history application *spit*

Reply 15

tourist

9

I like maths! And this bit of the forum is interesting unlike the econ one. Also I'm wokring for a maths company in my gap year so think occasionally I have something relevent to add :smile:

Reply 16

Anarchy Everywhere

2

Just kidding, always good to know people taking mickey mouse subjects like Economics have the ability to withstand the intellectual discussion held within these forums.