The path less travelled

HelloO! I just finished my gap year and will be matriculating in 2021 too. I think it can be a very rewarding experience but it depends on how you shape it + your goal-settings. If you're feeling lukewarm about your university choice now (and if your family is fine w this), I'd say why not take a gap year? There are a number of my friends who do wish they did better research beforehand + you'll b stuck with this choice for 4 years :(

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I personally chose to go on one bc I didn't get into my first choice in 2020 (but did this year) :D I wasn't prepared to take on my backup choices because I did applications in a haste, which is something I worked on when reapplying this year. I also applied to more schools and had backups which I was actually deeply interested about and would be excited joining. 

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During the gap year I did some "CV" things (e.g. employment), volunteering in the community which I felt gave me a sense of purpose and I genuinely enjoyed it :')) However, I also took time to gain a firmer footing of my identity by doing projects I felt passionate about. You can leave space for fun too and I experimented w a couple of fun things that I didn't have the time/freedom to do in school.

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- Know what you want to get out of it from the start. These should not just be vague goals and should include concrete to-do lists about what you'll do to reach them! These activities should keep you busy for a year. Personally, I had a "bucket" list of things that I wanted to experience and learn. Unfortunately, oftentimes things don't go exactly as you plan hahah (e.g. not being able to get the exact job you wanted, etc.) but still, having a direction is super important

- Have a good support system of friends (from JC/Poly/etc.) because it can get lonely sometimes! :(( I had a best friend who also took a gap year for different reasons, so it was nice clinging onto each other

- I tried to keep busy most of the time. If there was a prolonged period where I felt like I was slacking at home, I'd reevaluate my direction and hunt for new experiences. Being accountable and excited for your own growth is important too!!

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I hope this helped in any way/was applicable to your situation!! :) ATB

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Check out: https://www.reddit.com/r/SGExams/comments/n1twqy/uni_to_take_a_gap_year_or_not_to_take_a_gap_year/gwi5rw1/?context=3 if you would like to follow up with the senior!