COVID-19 & Student Questions: Should I Take a Gap Year or Leave-of-Absence?

Over the past couple of weeks, I have received multiple emails from students who are distressed (understandably so) over the impact of COVID-19 on their academic and professional plans. With many internships and co-op positions cancelled, and offers rescinded, students continuing their studies are wondering about a Plan B, or taking a leave of absence. Similarly, incoming students are asking whether it would be wise to defer their admission and take a gap year.

Here are my thoughts on this:

1-     My general advice to students at this time would be not to take a gap year or leave of absence if they can help it. The main purpose of a gap year is personal and/or professional enrichment through international travel or gainful employment opportunities, both of which are generally limited at this current time.

2-     Many career mentorship opportunities that you might typically pursue during your time-off are probably going to be offered online rather than in-person. You have to ask yourself whether this is the type of experience you are looking for.

3-     In my opinion, in the absence of internship opportunities over the summer or fall, continuing students should try to accelerate their academic track through additional course credits if possible, or pursue complementary professional development opportunities through certification courses in their areas of specialization. This would help ensure that you graduate on time, or you have a competitive edge after graduation.

4-     For incoming students considering a gap year, you have to figure out what kind of productive activity you are going to be involved in, and make an objective decision, rather than using the gap year to simply buy time until campuses and residences re-open.

5-     If you are planning to use your gap year or leave of absence for service work or volunteering, or towards a creative or entrepreneurial pursuit, this may be worth exploring, but you should have a concrete plan before you embark on such ventures.

I realize that this advice may not be applicable for all students. For many students, due to their financial situation, a leave-of-absence or a gap year might be a matter of exigency rather than choice. In any case, I thought I’d share my thoughts on this issue here. Further discussion and comments are welcome.