Think local, get started in unusual year for Beaufort County seniors to start college

As we look to the fall, the University of South Carolina system has committed to opening up our campuses for face-to-face instruction.

A recent survey by a national academic analysis firm found that students and parents alike prize the on-campus delivery and residential experience. They place such a premium on it that many are contemplating changing their first-choice schools, considering going local, or taking a delayed entry — a gap year — rather than relying on full-time, online classes.

But why a gap year?

A gap year isn’t a bad thing — it was a reward in the past to students from families “of means” to explore the world for a year before college. In recent years, the gap year has taken on a broader meaning for students to experience personal growth through community work, earning money for college, or going abroad. Google it, and you’ll find multiple websites to plan one.

However, this probably is not a good year for a gap year.

First, a large number of students are considering one. While some schools might let you defer for a year, others may not be that flexible. If you do delay, you join a much larger first-year class for 2021, and your choice my not choose you.

The admissions process next fall will be different. This spring affected all colleges financially, from elites to community colleges. Even Harvard applied for debt relief, so finances in the coming year will be difficult for both students and institutions, alike.

“State schools” will still be here, but we might not be able to admit all 20% of the students opting out this fall.

How would you spend your gap year?

International travel is not an option, currently. Many countries are closed, for others travel is limited, and conditions in others are risky, too.

You can try to get a job, but you will be competing with record numbers of unemployed.

Online classes from home could work for you, but ask your college friends how easy it was finishing their classes at home this spring?

You could spend that time developing an art or musical skill or even learning a new language, but that, too, would be online.

So why plunge ahead at a college? One skill that you’ve learned is how to learn. That momentum will help you in a degree. College is different from high school; adjusting pains only increase the longer you delay.

Being in school full-time increases the odds of graduating. Full-time students finish at a higher rate than do part-time students. A residential environment assists that further with on-campus support services.

You know that having an undergraduate degree is a good credential — don’t you want to take the best route to achieve that?

We understand that other concerns affect your choices. It may just not be financially feasible to start now.

However, if you are rethinking your fall, think about the great local resource and ask us how we can help you pursue your dreams sooner than later.

Joseph L. Staton is dean of science and mathematics and professor of biology and marine science at the University of South Carolina Beaufort.