Taking a gap year before grad school: Pros and cons

Key takeaways about taking a gap year after college

• A gap year means taking time off between degrees, usually 6 months to a year.
• Nearly 1 in 3 college graduates delay grad school after earning their undergraduate degree.
• A well-planned gap year can be a total game-changer — helping you reset and step into grad school feeling more confident and prepared.
• Without a plan, a gap year can lead to lost structure, financial stress, or feeling like you’ve drifted off track.
• The key to a successful gap year is having a plan — set goals, stay engaged, and use the time to move toward what you want next.

You’ve crossed the stage, grabbed your diploma, and now grad school is calling your name—or maybe… not yet. If you need some time to rest, travel, work, or get clarity before starting another degree, taking a gap year may be the right option for you. And you won't be alone: According to the research study How America Succeeds After College 2025 by Sallie Mae and Ipsos, nearly 1 in 3 grads who pursued another degree didn't start immediately after college.

This guide breaks down the pros and cons of taking a gap year and how to make the most of it if you do.

So, what actually is a gap year?

A gap year is a break—usually six months to a year—between finishing your undergraduate degree and starting grad school. Some students use it to rest, travel, or work. Others use it to save money, gain experience, or take time to figure out if grad school is the right next move.

There’s no single way to do a gap year, but there’s a big difference between “time off” and intentional time off.

Pros: Why a gap year may be a smart move

1. Time to recharge

Burnout is real, especially after years of nonstop school. A gap year gives you space to reset mentally before jumping into another demanding program. According to How America Succeeds After College 2025, 17% of college graduates intentionally took time for themselves before grad school.

2. Career clarity and experience

Not 100% sure grad school is the right move yet? You’re not alone. How America Succeeds After College 2025 reports tht 14% of grads worked before returning to school. Employers also value real-world experience, so a gap year can make you more competitive later.

3. Financial breathing room

Grad school can be a major expense. Taking a year to work, save, and plan can help you reduce debt—and give you time to find scholarships for graduate students and other opportunities using tools like Scholly Scholarships. By building a financial plan during your gap year, you can start grad school with less stress.

4. Personal growth and maturity

Gap years aren’t just about money and resumes. They’re also a chance to grow in ways that traditional classrooms don’t always allow—like learning independence, adaptability, or even how to live in a new city or country.

Cons:  How taking a gap year may backfire

1. Losing academic momentum

Once you leave a school routine, it can be harder to get back into one. Studying, writing papers, and doing research won’t feel as automatic after months away from that structure.

If you take a gap year, build in some kind of learning—online courses, skill-based certifications, tutoring, even reading lists—to keep your academic brain alive.

2. Financial strain (if you’re not earning)

A gap year can help you save money—but it can also get expensive if you’re traveling, relocating, or not working. Without a plan, what starts as “rest” can turn into “stress” fast.

A good rule: don’t start a gap year with no financial plan or safety net.

3. Losing professional or academic connections

When you step away from school, you also step away from built-in networking. If you want letters of recommendation or help applying to programs later, stay in touch with professors and advisors now, not a year from now.

4. FOMO and comparing yourself to others

It’s easy to feel like you’re “falling behind” when friends are enrolling in grad programs right away. But timing doesn’t equal success—the real question is whether you’re moving toward the life you want.

How to know if a gap year is right for you

Before you commit, ask yourself:

• Why am I taking time off—rest, clarity, money, experience?
• Do I have a plan for how I’ll use the year?
• Will this help or delay my long-term goals?
• How will I afford it—and how much do I need to save before I start?
• Who can help me stay connected (mentors, advisors, employers)?

Still trying to figure out your path? We've got you. Explore your options with our guides to master's, PhD, and professional degrees—or start by checking out schools that offer graduate programs using Scout College Search.

How to make the most of a gap year before grad school

A great gap year is planned, not improvised. Here’s how to make it count:

1. Set clear goals

Write down what you want out of your year—income, clarity, experience, rest, exploration. The clearer the goal, the better the outcome.

2. Build your resume

Work, volunteer, research, freelance, or shadow someone in your field. Even short-term projects sharpen your story for future applications.

3. Stay mentally engaged

Audit courses, read books in your field, join a professional association, go to conferences, take online classes—whatever keeps your academic muscles warm.

4. Reflect and reset

Use your time to figure out what motivates you most. Those insights will make your next step—grad school or otherwise—more intentional.

The bottom line

There’s no single “right” way to take a gap year—only what’s right for you.

Whether you start grad school now or take the scenic route, choose the path that supports your growth—not just your timeline. Grad school will still be there when you’re ready. Your time right now? You only get it once.