PROS AND CONS OF DEFERRING A YEAR AT UNIVERSITY
As admission offers begin coming in, it’s easy to feel pressured and start thinking about deferring a year or a semester before committing to a few more years of study. If you are considering postponing by a year, there are several pros and cons to consider carefully about your plans for your gap year.
Considering Deferral During Covid-19
Many international universities have eased out prior policies and now allow students to defer a year. Here are some reasons why universities are allowing deferrals more easily during the pandemic:
#StayHomeStaySafe. Universities have not forgotten the principle rule for the world we live in today. It is a given that students are safer at home.
Students can remain safely at home and support their families during these trying times.
Students can avoid the necessary 14-day quarantines that delay their arrival at the campus.
Deferring a semester or a year gives institutes time to adapt to the new normal and incorporate curriculum accordingly.
If the university allows it, students can attend classes at a local institution and transfer credits.
Students can join non-profit organizations and other benefit programs to help society during the pandemic. This can help them get ready for campus life while improving leadership and social skills
In general, the uncertainty and unfamiliarity of the semester can be a decisive factor in deciding whether to postpone a semester or a full-time study course for a short period. Create your own list of pros and cons that will help you make your decision easier later on.
To help you start, we’ve listed out a few pros and cons of deferring a year at the university.
Pros Of Deferring A Semester
Before starting your course, some universities give you the option to defer a semester or a year. This official gap year can be applied through gap companies or directly through the university.
Usually, when universities have the deferral option, they provide students with adequate information and online portals to apply for the same. The previously strict policies and regulations in this regard have also been relaxed due to the current global Covid crisis.
By deferring a year, you are allowed to unwind from stress and relax before committing to yet another few years of study. Students taking on courses with a more lengthy study requirement, such as medicine or engineering, can benefit from such a break.
You also have the time to reconsider your choice of study. During the gap year, there is always the chance that a new hobby or a different field could interest you more than the course you had selected. In that case, think through your choices instead of rushing into either one of them.
You can also experience adulthood early on and learn to do things by yourself. You also get the chance to do something you are passionate about or explore the world.
Cons Of Deferring A Semester
For many students, getting back into academics after a break may not be easy. You may have taken the break to experience professional life, travel or just stay indoors and relax. Whichever it may be, going back to university means that you have to make major changes in your lifestyle and routines.
There is also the concern that you could simply change your mind and decide not to join the university after all. Delays and deferrals can make school seem less appealing. So, it’s best to make an informed decision with a strong will to proceed with your studies even after the break.
If you are thinking of taking the deferral to get professional exposure, consider that some experts have voiced that students may be trading a year’s post-university earnings for a year of potentially lesser income.
Admission deferral could affect and delay your post-graduation by years since it could hinder academic schedules. Most universities have a no deferral policy when accepting students through a scholarship. Make sure to double-check!
In Conclusion
Balancing the advantages and disadvantages of a gap year can help you decide what is best for you, given your resources, interests and goals. If you are considering a year off, submit a clear plan to your university's admissions committee and ask for financial assistance and the consequences of postponement.
If you need more information about deferrals in various international universities and allowed, we can help you out. Contact us, now!