MILWAUKEE - Experience new cultures, help those less fortunate, raise money for college or simply take a break. Any which way, gap years have both benefits and setbacks.

A gap year is time taken off by high school graduates between high school and college. The pros and cons of this growing phenomenon vary depending on how gappers chooses to spend their time.

Guidance counselor Brenda Mikell usually does not recommend a gap year.

 “It’s really uncommon for Rufus King graduates to take a year off,” she said.

If students take a year off because they are sick of school, they will most likely end up never wanting to go back, said Mikell.

“If you go into it with focus, it’s OK,” Mikell said.

IB Coordinator Mavis Roesch strongly advocates a gap year as long as it is a productive year taken by a focused, alert student.

“In many cases it is wonderful, it give kids time to catch up in maturity. It’s a very personal thing,” Roesch said.

Spanish teacher Diane Hardy loves to travel and feels a gap year’s pros far outweigh its cons.

“You learn to adapt so much better.”

Hardy’s face lit up when talking about her past adventures.

“Traveling on the road, I remember who I’ve met, where I’ve been,” Hardy said.

Ellis Schriefer, 2008 alumna, took a gap year to travel across Europe.

“All in all, I ended up exploring 25 European nations and learning an incredible amount, not only about my surroundings, but also [about] myself and the stamina and fearlessness I was unaware I possessed,” she said in an interview via Facebook.

“I returned to Milwaukee a different person,” said Schriefer. “I genuinely cannot come up with any blatant cons for this type of gap year.”

Gap years allow high school graduates time to discover their passions through volunteering and travel. For many post- gap year students, the college experience is more successful than it might have been had they not taken a gap year.

UWM Assistant Director of Admissions Kim Folstein feels that students who have been active with their extra time only benefit UWM.

“Additional life experience is never a hindrance,” Folstein said.

Marquette Senior Assistant Dean of Admissions Jeff Lochowicz’s views differ.

“Having a gap year does not affect an admission decision. The most important thing we look at in making an admission decision is the academic work of the applicant,” he said.

Gap years can have drawbacks. It’s easy to want to keep living the gap year life style and never attempt higher education. For students who do nothing over their gap years, this is much more likely to take place. For a more fulfilling year, besides having motivation and drive, saving money ahead of time beholds abundant benefits. Traveling, living on your own and health insurance all need to be taken into account.

Hardy’s advice: Find loopholes and deals.

“There are inexpensive deals for students,” she explained.

Deciding to take a gap year is a difficult choice, a fulfilling experience, but only for the right student. Most Rufus King students are going to college… So, why not engage in something that tickles your imagination before going to college and then working off college fees?” Roesch said.