Has anyone taken a Gap Year?

[TSE]

Just wondering if anyone here has taken a year off of school or work.

I didn't make design school with my portfolio last year so I am attempting again, and also applying to other schools this year.

If I don't make any design school, I am thinking of simply taking a year off of school. Possibly get a job, travel, learn about myself, explore art and design more to create an even better portfolio, and try again.

Is this a good idea?

PS - If any designers are here, PM me. I want you to review my portfolio when the time comes.

 

[mobilehaathi]

I wish I did in between undergrad and grad school. If you have the opportunity and can afford it, I don't really see a downside.

 

[Tsuchiya]

I did after my A-Levels. I wasn't sure what I wanted to do and didn't want to accept my offers to study English at a mediocre university (I wasn't exactly aiming high ).

I did a Chemistry A-Level in a year and started a Biomedical Science degree at a top 5 university the following fall.

Worth it. Though I wish I used it more productively to learn a language or travel a bit. I just studied, worked part-time and played a lot of Street Fighter with my friends

 

[obeygiant]

If I don't make any design school, I am thinking of simply taking a year off of school. Possibly get a job, travel, learn about myself, explore art and design more to create an even better portfolio, and try again.

I would work at some design firm or work with some creative people at least. That can be much more valuable than any design school. Save your money!

 

[lucky518]

Well I am taking this year off since I couldn't get a good college because of some stupid mistakes. But now I don't regret it since I think I could end up on one of the best out there. Just took SAT Subjects tests on the 6th while I will be giving the SAT1 in November. I even gave IELTS on which I scored a band of 7.5. On the other hand I am also learning some computer languages to increase my extra curricular activities.
By the way I am from India.

 

[brentmore]

I took a gap year and loved it so much that I took another 3! I worked the entire time, traveled extensively and found a line of work that I love. I eventually went back to school for undergrad and grad. Looking back, it was an awesome decision, given my situation at the time. If it feels right, go for it.

 

[TedM]

Just wondering if anyone here has taken a year off of school or work.

I didn't make design school with my portfolio last year so I am attempting again, and also applying to other schools this year.

If I don't make any design school, I am thinking of simply taking a year off of school. Possibly get a job, travel, learn about myself, explore art and design more to create an even better portfolio, and try again.

Is this a good idea?

PS - If any designers are here, PM me. I want you to review my portfolio when the time comes.

People always wish they took a year off. Its worth it. But you do need money. Its sad. Money > everything. But if for some reason you are ok for one year. By all means do something you will enjoy. No one else is living your life.

 

[skippymac]

I'm on one now, working for IBM in their UK labs. Will be doing Electronic Engineering or something similar at uni next year

 

[Gregg2]

I took a semester and a summer to work before going back to grad school. I had worked at the same firm the summer before my final undergrad semester. I found it beneficial to know a little about the "real world" while in grad school, and I had professors that commented that those who had some work experience were more receptive or "easier to teach".