“Image courtesy of CJ Chandler / runwhileican.tumblr.com”

It was a neurotic time for a select few. A month of procrastination and perspiration. Yes, the matric exams. I couldn’t imagine a more distressing way to spend the little time left before the apocalypse. However, these exams are an imperative for students universal, and good for one’s resolve. The topic urges the discussion of the aftermath:

So – will you pass/get into the right university course? Once finished and after a well deserved break, what is the plan? Straight into university? A gap year? Didn’t get into the course you wanted, so now a gap year is becoming more appealing. Not sure of your direction? Etc, etc. These are all questions on the matriculating mind, and sure to induce a sweaty brow.

The most important thing is to be positive and active. Get rid of that fear. If university doesn’t appeal to you or your marks don’t appeal to university, a gap year is a great opportunity. It is maturing, mind opening, can be extremely educational, and add invaluable experience to your C.V. The good, smart options are right in front of us. You are in control. Take this time of irresolution and turn yourself into a better and more marketable person.

A point to consider is if you plan to study internationally. Competing with native students abroad is difficult, contrary to what the government would have us believe: Back in 2010, a report issued by education quality assuror Umalusi and Higher Education South Africa (HESA), the South African National Senior Certificate (NSC) and its curriculum are on par with international standards and are favourable when compared to other international qualifications. Reported news on the subject since then has highlighted the decline in quality of A-level exams, and the increase in difficulty in the NSC.

Unfortunately this doesn’t hold up when actually applying for a course. With this in mind, there is an opportunity for you to improve yourself and stand out. A year off will most certainly give you a leg up, as it shows courage and diversity. Provided, of course, that you don’t spend the WHOLE year lying on the beach.

Gap years are becoming increasingly popular, and not only amongst hedonistic adolescents, but universities as well. More tertiary education institutes are seeing the benefits, and have in place a deferral system where students can apply to start their course after their year off. According to a study of 2,502 students that began in 2010 in the Journal of Educational Psychology, taking a gap year is also linked to higher motivation in university.

There will be people who disagree, and think that a gap year is a fanciful idea and waste of time. An excuse to go on a very long holiday, pointing out that a gap year can be unproductive as well as knocking a student off track. There is some merit in this, but not much. After all, 90% of gap students go to university after a year off and do very well. Compare this to the 45% national dropout rate of students in South Africa (IESA).

What is important is experience – be it of a country or a business – and productivity. A gap year can be used to broaden your mind, as well as develop yourself. Use the time to find your talents and passions. Develop and apply your skills. However, if you feel that you should go straight into university and start your career as soon as possible, this should be your next move: Go into the kitchen and fill a bucket of cold water, walk outside or away from any electrical appliances and empty it over your head. Only kidding. Warm water is fine.