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Your chance of acceptance
Duke University
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UCLA
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Your chancing factors
Unweighted GPA: 3.7
1.0
4.0
SAT: 720 math
200
800
| 800 verbal
200
800

Extracurriculars

Low accuracy (4 of 18 factors)

Are Online Courses Worthwhile for Gap Year Students?

If you're on a gap year, would taking online courses be beneficial? I'm thinking about keeping up with my studies a little, but I also want to enjoy my break. Are there any recommended courses?

a year ago

Taking online courses during your gap year can indeed be beneficial. They allow you to continue learning and keep your academic skills sharp without the rigorous schedule of regular full-time school. Plus, many platforms offer both free and low-cost options, so you can access high-quality instruction on a variety of topics without breaking the bank.

Your choice of courses will depend on your interests and future plans. If you intend to study a specific subject in college, you might want to take related courses to further develop your understanding and skills. For example, if you're interested in computer science, you could take online courses in Python or JavaScript to get a head start.

On the other hand, if you're indecisive about your college major, you can use this time to explore different areas of study to see what interests you most. From languages and humanities to science or business, there's a multitude of courses available to explore.

Additionally, consider courses that may develop useful soft skills like public speaking or critical thinking. These are universally applicable and can be valuable throughout your life, regardless of your chosen career path.

It's important, though, that your online learning doesn't consume all your free time. The purpose of the gap year is to take a break from the traditional education routine. Engage in non-academic pursuits, too, relating to travel, volunteering, or personal hobbies. It's all about finding the right balance.

a year ago

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CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.