Gap/Application year -- taking summer off before working?

[student113]

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I am applying during a gap year after graduation, and at this point I'm pretty set on a full time job during that year.

However, I just really want to take a small break after all the years of school. Since I'll have the option of starting the job in September instead of June, I'm considering taking the summer off to relax and do secondaries (might be two contradictory goals, but still more relaxing than working full time and during secondaries!)

Do schools ask about what we do with the summer of application? Would it matter if I say I'm taking a few months off from work and school and everything?

Thanks

 

[TheMightySmiter]

I think it will be okay, but you should do something productive. Spend a lot of time volunteering in different places, or do some tutoring or something. It's a good idea to take time off so you don't burn out, but doing nothing doesn't always look great.

 

[Catalystik]

I recall that the Rush application asks about this, so there may be others. It's possible to avoid saying you're going to live at home and play WOW all day (even if true). A hiatus is perfectly acceptable. Maybe you'll travel (even if only to see a freind in another part of the state), do odd jobs for the grandparents, self-study a foreign language, tutor a sibling, catch up on your novel reading, catch some photos you'd always meant to capture, etc. I'm sure you could think of something that makes you sound productive.

 

[KTD]

You might consider taking a little bit less time off. I graduated in May and started my full time job in July and it was perfect. I got most of my applications and secondaries done before I started working. I would have been pretty bored if I had taken any more time off, but then again, if you travel or do something more exciting you might want longer.

 

[ahmcadams]

Take the time off and enjoy yourself, relax, clear your head, travel, get a head-start on applications, etc. You definitely won't be faulted for taking a break before beginning an off-year job. Interviewers are not going to nit-pick such a small period to ensure you were saving babies in one contiguous block from conception to application.