What Must Incoming Literature Students Do to Master Gap Year
Senior year could be daunting to any high school student especially to those who aspire to pursue literary studies. If you happen to be one of those students, you wouldn't know the details that make a college essay different from a high school essay. You rather vow to try hard, if not too hard. And then there's one more thing. When you clear your table (and bed) of books and papers, you would realize that you still have a year, if not barely a year, to prepare for your first year in college. (Let's assume that you're locked in the university that you apply a place for.) A gap year seems like a tempting option, but you wonder how to make the most of it. Fear not.
There are three things to do during a gap year, namely learn and work, work and train and work and travel (and learn). The details could turn your plan into a fruitful, if not eye-opening, experience. Remember that twelve months (or less) could go fast if you're unaware of it. You've been told to enjoy the moment, but it would be foolish not to look ahead. And mastering a gap year requires your attention on what to do during the next twelve months (or less). This is a challenging task, whether you perceive it or not. Anything is possible, as the key to success is to have a clear objective, and thinking of the details (to achieve it).
Eyes on the Prize: How to Have Fun While Learning
Try again (and make the most out of your gap year). Whether you choose to defer your entry or you didn't get an offer from your university of preference, you have to look at this setback as an opportunity. Some athletes would rather abbreviate it as NO (New Opportunity), which should make you feel good about what's ahead of you. It should make you read more novels. This is your chance to look at the finer details, such as why most of Stephen King's novels don't have a good ending. (If you have seen "It: Chapter Two", you must have got the joke after your first learned about it.) You might be thinking of a great opening, which might put you along with the company of J.M. Barrie. Hold that thought, as you have other things to think of. One is to keep in touch with your admissions tutor. You need a guide (or mentor), and you can't think of a better figure other than your tutor. It should keep you occupied, but you would have free time. Twelve months would be a long stretch, so look for a part-time job. You don't have to be picky, as you must save your earnings for your first year in college.
Work and attend training courses. Let's focus on the training courses, which should give you an advantage. You might be thinking of creative writing, which is a good first choice. As a matter of fact, a completion of the training course should help you in writing your essays. You don't have to engage in a series of rituals before you type your opening paragraph, but it wouldn't dawn on you. Yet. There are other options, which would depend on how you plan your future. If you're really serious about getting ahead, you must have studied your career options (other than academics and authorship). As for finding a job, there won't be a problem if you're considering part-time opportunities. You're not doing these things to kill time, as you want your portfolio to stand out from the others. Don’t forget the soft skills.
How to plan your work/travel (gap) year. You have lost count of the number of novels you read when you experience a light-bulb moment. You would pass up a golden opportunity if you don't travel during your gap year. You're not looking forward to a holiday in Mexico (after reading "Under the Volcano"), as you love to hike. You're a huge fan of Tin Tin and Snowy, so you're thinking of teaching English to Spanish-speaking youngsters. And you have heard a lot of good things about Cuzco. Your parents aren't keen on financing your trip, which is fine. You can work until you save enough money for that dream trip. Don't forget to make inquiries about part-time opportunities in foreign land. If it's not possible to work and travel, you may want to enjoy sightseeing. It's a different kind of learning, which is more fun than what the lectures offer. It doesn't mean that you must think about dropping out (when the going gets tough). What you read is not a description of volunteering, as some (volunteering) organizations require a fee. Are you willing to pay it? Is it worth it? The answers to both questions would be found on what you have researched on the Internet.
What Have You Gained from your Gap Year
You would learn to compose your email properly, if not come up with a persuasive speech in an hour or two. These skills should keep you in good relations with your professors, but you’re missing the big picture. You have gained a perspective, which would come handy during those long hours of paper writing. If you have traveled (and gone to the right places), then you should realize something about your favorite authors. Literary studies require determination and an uncompromising attitude. These great writers have shown it (or they won’t have a career to speak of). Are you ready?
