Should You Take Time Off From College?

It's (almost) summertime.  You did it.  You survived another year of ridiculously long lectures, greasy dining hall food full of trans fat, and maybe even a break-up (or two, in my case!). 

So now your thoughts have shifted from political methods and adolescent psychology to attaining that Jessica Simpson-esque glow and sipping Mai Tais with your girls.  And you have one other daunting thought swimming around in that head of yours: You're dreading your return to school in the fall.

College is viewed as a rite-of-passage for most American teenagers.  You're expected to snatch up your high school diploma and not think twice before packing your bags to head off to school – again – for another four years. After all those AP classes, SAT study sessions and that long list of extracurriculars you joined so you could pen them on your final college apps, the race still isn't over. Now you have to move miles away from home, make all new friends and (surprise!) the work doesn't get easier by any means. 

Sometimes the stress of college life can be too much, too fast. Maybe you've been struggling with your classes.  Maybe you still haven't decided on a major.  Maybe you just aren't feeling the idea of spending another semester engulfed in your Spanish workbook while the rest of the dorm dances their way to that Hi-lighter party.  Whatever the issue, don't freak out just yet.  Whether you believe it or not, you do have options.  Yes, you can take some time off from college.  There, I said it.  It really is possible.

The "gap year" idea isn't exactly new, but it has become more and more popular for high school graduates to take a year or two off after high school.  Some choose to work, travel or volunteer before enrolling in classes at a university.  This gives them time to clear their heads before jumping head-on into university life.  Students say they feel refreshed and eager to learn after a small break from the school routine they had grown accustomed to in high school.  The same can be said about students who take a year off in the midst of pursuing their degree. 

However, there are obviously several items that you need to consider before you call up the 'rents and tell 'em you're heading off to Europe for the semester.

Consider all options.  If you're struggling with super-hard classes, have you considered switching professors or programs within your major?  How about scheduling time with a tutor?  If your financial situation is what's got you down, have you thought about taking out a loan to ease the pressure?  Try to fix whatever it is that is bothering you before you decide to leave.  But if school still feels like a huge burden, don't fret.  You are perfectly entitled to take some time off.

Check with your university.  Meet with an adviser.  Not only will they be able to give you their expert opinion about whether you should pack up your luggage and haul your pretty butt off campus, they should know the university's policy on leave of absences.  Every school's policy is different, but they will probably offer you several options.

Spill the beans.  The 'rents may or may not be delighted to hear that their gorgeous, amazing daughter is considering leaving college.  Most parents hear the phrase "taking some time off" and immediately picture their fabulous child (who is undoubtedly full of ripe potential) spending the rest of his or her life working the fry station at McDonald's.  Fact is, this is usually not the case.  Most students who take a leave of absence return to school at some point in their lives to finish their degrees.  Try to be as sensitive as possible to your parents desires, but acknowledge that what others want for you and what is best for you may not always coincide.

Plan your time off.  So you've decided to officially exit the University and have a whole semester (or year, or two) to fill with whatever your little heart desires.  Before you roll your last piece of luggage down the dorm hallway, you need to have a solid, realistic plan.  Set goals for your time off and know exactly what you want to accomplish.  Do you want to work and save money so when you head back to campus, you don't have to scrounge in couch cushions for laundry money?  Do you want to travel to an exotic location?  Sometimes a change in location is all you really need to gain a fresh perspective.  Do you want to pursue an internship that you may not have been able to if you had been in school?  Or do you just want to relax?   

Also, make sure you know exactly how long you want your break to last.  Set a time you plan to re-enter into your studies.  Surround yourself with pals and people who will help you out during this awkward, sometimes confusing transition away from school. 

Go back.  Hopefully, you will re-enter school with a clear head and newfound knowledge of your educational goals.  Make sure you are mentally and emotionally prepared for lectures and term papers and keep those pals around who understand and support you.  A leave of absence is not a cure-all for the stress of college, but it is one way to help you discover exactly what you want from college and your life.  Remember, there is no magic rule book that dictates exactly how you should live your life.  A little detour now and then can be exciting, and essential, to your growth as a person.

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