Finishing high school is a major turning point in our lives. We find ourselves at a crossroads, having to make hard decisions that may end up having far-reaching consequences regardless of whether we are ready. Or do we?

Taking a year off after graduating from school has been an increasingly popular choice in the West and recently the idea seems to be gaining traction here as well. The prospect of taking a year-long vacation after the soul-crushing ordeal that is high school does sound appealing. After the battering the H.S.C, A Levels or their equivalent exams delivered on our self-confidence, blood-pressure and hairline, many of us deserve some R&R, but is taking a gap year worth the possible repercussions?

There are several benefits to taking a gap year, aside from the obvious: respite from the pressure of studying. It gives those of us who haven't yet found our calling, time to explore and contemplate our options. There may also be financial issues to work through and an extra year to resolve them would be welcome. In fact, most universities overseas encourage their potential applicants to take gap years since they believe it enriches their life experience and broadens their horizons. They encourage them to pursue their interests and this gives them a chance to beef up their ECA record and bring it up to par for their dream universities. 

However, it is worth noting that unless you do something worthwhile with your time, a gap year will cause more harm than good. Admissions committees look for direction and determination and they require you to demonstrate that during the year. Travelling, writing, or learning Swahili are all fruitful pursuits, while binge-watching all seasons of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air is not, so it is prudent to do something productive with your time. 

Many people lose focus during a drawn-out vacation. They descend into a pit of sloth and procrastination that is all but impossible to crawl out of. The key to success in university is solid work ethics and time-management and many find themselves ill-equipped for the predicament. Bad habits are formed and good ones are lost. They spend too much time clearing the cob-webs and orienting themselves to the overwhelming work-load while others who are better prepared pass them by.

For those planning to sit for admission tests in public universities, it is important to remember that most public institutions allow gap years but that may change in the near future. There is currently a proposal under review which if passed, would require students planning to sit for the Dhaka University or medical college admission tests during the same session as when they sat for their final high-school exams (H.S.C and A Levels). If the proposal is implemented, applicants would not be allowed to take gap years or re-take exams. For public engineering schools however, the rule already exists and no gap years or re-takes are allowed.

So should you take a gap year? That would depend on what you hope to accomplish during that time and whether the caveats involved pose a problem.