Mind the gap: How a gap year can pave the way to academic success | The Business Standard
Skip to main content
  • Latest
  • Economy
    • Banking
    • Stocks
    • Industry
    • Analysis
    • Bazaar
    • RMG
    • Corporates
    • Aviation
  • Videos
    • TBS Today
    • TBS Stories
    • TBS World
    • News of the day
    • TBS Programs
    • Podcast
    • Editor's Pick
  • World+Biz
  • Features
    • Panorama
    • The Big Picture
    • Pursuit
    • Habitat
    • Thoughts
    • Splash
    • Mode
    • Tech
    • Explorer
    • Brands
    • In Focus
    • Book Review
    • Earth
    • Food
    • Luxury
    • Wheels
  • Subscribe
    • Get the Paper
    • Epaper
    • GOVT. Ad
  • More
    • Sports
    • TBS Graduates
    • Bangladesh
    • Supplement
    • Infograph
    • Archive
    • Gallery
    • Long Read
    • Interviews
    • Offbeat
    • Magazine
    • Climate Change
    • Health
    • Cartoons
  • বাংলা
The Business Standard

Thursday
July 24, 2025

Sign In
Subscribe
  • Latest
  • Economy
    • Banking
    • Stocks
    • Industry
    • Analysis
    • Bazaar
    • RMG
    • Corporates
    • Aviation
  • Videos
    • TBS Today
    • TBS Stories
    • TBS World
    • News of the day
    • TBS Programs
    • Podcast
    • Editor's Pick
  • World+Biz
  • Features
    • Panorama
    • The Big Picture
    • Pursuit
    • Habitat
    • Thoughts
    • Splash
    • Mode
    • Tech
    • Explorer
    • Brands
    • In Focus
    • Book Review
    • Earth
    • Food
    • Luxury
    • Wheels
  • Subscribe
    • Get the Paper
    • Epaper
    • GOVT. Ad
  • More
    • Sports
    • TBS Graduates
    • Bangladesh
    • Supplement
    • Infograph
    • Archive
    • Gallery
    • Long Read
    • Interviews
    • Offbeat
    • Magazine
    • Climate Change
    • Health
    • Cartoons
  • বাংলা
THURSDAY, JULY 24, 2025
Mind the gap: How a gap year can pave the way to academic success

Pursuit

Tiana Samreen
10 July, 2024, 11:15 am
Last modified: 10 July, 2024, 10:18 pm

Related News

  • Extreme weather drives global food price hike, worsening health risks: Study
  • The moral responsibility of Bangladesh’s most brilliant minds
  • Do this year’s SSC results mirror deeper flaws of our education system?
  • Violence against women in first half of 2025 shows sharp increase over previous 2 years
  • Closer to home: Asian destinations for your higher education

Mind the gap: How a gap year can pave the way to academic success

A gap year generally refers to a break taken by students to pause and prepare for the next academic life chapter. However, this can be stressful but when planned effectively, it can be a transformative experience

Tiana Samreen
10 July, 2024, 11:15 am
Last modified: 10 July, 2024, 10:18 pm
Illustration: TBS
Illustration: TBS

Sanjida Nusrat Ananna, now a rising sophomore in her second year at Caltech University, found herself at a crossroads after completing her HSC (Higher Secondary Certificate) in 2021.

She was determined to study at the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (Buet) but fell short by only three marks as the institution's entry requirement changed after Covid-19.

"I think the education system in Bangladesh is not practical; it puts unnecessary pressure on students for university admission," she said, adding, "In the United States, we can choose our area of study after exploring various subjects in the first year and have many options to build a career."

Sanjida eventually decided to study in the US. She took a gap year to better prepare herself for international applications and sat for her A-Levels.

The Business Standard Google News Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel

A gap year refers to a time after high school when the student decides to prepare for university admissions, gain work experience or travel. Essentially, a break to opt-out from starting university immediately after high school.

In the case of taking a gap year to prepare for university admissions, the process can be both stressful and uncertain. However, when planned effectively, it can be a transformative experience.
 
Combined with difficult standardised aptitude tests like the SAT or IELTS (when one wants to pursue higher education abroad) students can be faced with overwhelming academic decisions and stress. It leaves students with little to no time to consider alternative paths or explore their true interests.

Developing communication skills in certain languages has become a matter of global demand. Learning foreign languages other than English or their mother tongue can be a very useful skill for students.

- Dr Mohammad Tariq Ahsan, professor at the Institute of Education and Research at Dhaka University

While many take a gap year to allocate more time to prepare for public university entrance examinations, most students take this time to prepare themselves to build their future abroad.

Dr Mohammad Tariq Ahsan, professor at the Institute of Education and Research at Dhaka University says that, generally in Bangladesh, students suffer a lag due to the country's examination system.

"You see, our examinations are very paper-pencil based. Designing the pattern and questions for the exams, conducting them and finally assessing them is extremely time-consuming. The process itself takes away three to six months from the student's life," explained Dr Tariq.

We have listed six pointers for your gap year.

Evaluate your interests and goals: Use this time to reflect on your long-term aspirations. Consider what fields of study and career paths truly excite you.

Set clear objectives: Whether it's improving your academic qualifications, gaining work experience or developing new skills, having clear goals will help you stay focused.

Prepare for standardised tests:  "Your SAT scores are important for American undergraduate admission so take time in preparing for the exam," Sanjida advises. Achieving a high score can significantly enhance your university application, and in many cases, even get you a scholarship.

Engage in additional studies: Sanjida chose to sit for A-Levels to strengthen her application. While they are not necessary for everyone, additional qualifications can provide a competitive edge.

Leadership and extracurricular activities: "Focus on building leadership skills, participating in debates, joining clubs or holding leadership positions in clubs etc," Sanjida suggests. These activities are highly valued by top universities.

Research and practical experience: Participating in summer research programmes or internships can demonstrate your commitment to your chosen field and provide practical experience.

After you're done planning, the following steps can further help you to utilise your gap year.

Seek mentorship: Connect with alumni and current students of universities you aspire to attend. Platforms like Facebook groups and networks such as Bangladesh Beyond Borders can be invaluable.

Consultancy support: It is always advised to write your application but sometimes, you can get consultancy services from an agency. These can be costly but they often provide tailored advice and support that can increase your chances of success.

Application preparation: Start early on university essays as that's an important part of the journey if you are planning to study abroad. "Start crafting your college essay early; don't wait until the last minute," advises Sanjida. A well-thought-out essay can make a big difference in your application.

Financial documentation: Prepare your financial documents if you are applying for financial aid. This can be a time-consuming process, so it's best to start early.

Taking a gap year offers a chance to reassess goals, build necessary skills and prepare thoroughly for competitive university admissions. Bangladeshi students can make good use of a gap year. Sanjida's experience underscores the importance of strategic planning and taking advantage of available resources.

"Research about the universities, their location, culture, and the kind of education they provide," she recommends.

Understanding your course options and how they align with your career aspirations can help you make informed decisions. Many university websites offer distinct career prospects that a student may want to undertake in the future, within their course structure details.

"Additionally, developing communication skills in certain languages has become a matter of global demand. Learning foreign languages other than English or their mother tongue can be a very useful skill for students," Dr Tariq suggested.

Remember, it's not just about taking a break; it's about investing in yourself and your dreams.

Features

Education / Career / career advise / study / study gap

Comments

While most comments will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive, moderation decisions are subjective. Published comments are readers’ own views and The Business Standard does not endorse any of the readers’ comments.

Top Stories

  • Representational image. Photo: Collected
    Tariff issue: Bangladesh, US set for crucial virtual meeting on 29 July - not tommorow
  • Milestone tragedy: CID confirms identities of 5 victims using DNA samples
    Milestone tragedy: CID confirms identities of 5 victims using DNA samples
  • Rescue workers carry out operations at Milestone School and College following the BAF fighter jet crash on 21 July 2025. Photo: Mehedi Hasan
    Most victims in Milestone crash are students under 15

MOST VIEWED

  • Photo: Collected
    Bangladeshi man jailed for life in UK for murdering wife in front of their baby
  • Ctg port authority halts contractor recruitment for Kamalapur ICD operations for two months
    Ctg port authority halts contractor recruitment for Kamalapur ICD operations for two months
  • Fire at Cosmo School in Mirpur on 23 July 2025. Photo: TBS
    Fire breaks out at Cosmo School in Mirpur following generator explosion
  • Representational image. File Photo: Rajib Dhar/TBS
    Debate arises as edu adviser says postponed HSC exams of 22 and 24 July will be held on same day
  • BB issues dress code for all, discourages short-sleeved or length dresses, leggings for female staff
    BB issues dress code for all, discourages short-sleeved or length dresses, leggings for female staff
  • Infographics: TBS
    Stay orders won’t shield defaulters: BB governor 

Related News

  • Extreme weather drives global food price hike, worsening health risks: Study
  • The moral responsibility of Bangladesh’s most brilliant minds
  • Do this year’s SSC results mirror deeper flaws of our education system?
  • Violence against women in first half of 2025 shows sharp increase over previous 2 years
  • Closer to home: Asian destinations for your higher education

Features

Photo: Collected

24 July: More than 1400 arrested, 3 missing coordinators found

19h | Panorama
Photo: Mehedi Hasan/TBS

Aggrieved nation left with questions as citizens rally to help at burn institute

2d | Panorama
Photo: Mehedi Hasan/TBS

Mourning turns into outrage as Milestone students seek truth and justice

1d | Panorama
Illustration: TBS

Uttara, Jatrabari, Savar and more: The killing fields that ran red with July martyrs’ blood

2d | Panorama

More Videos from TBS

AI is uncovering the lost history of ancient Rome

AI is uncovering the lost history of ancient Rome

8m | Others
Jamaat Ameer's statement misleading: Chatra Dal general secretary

Jamaat Ameer's statement misleading: Chatra Dal general secretary

53m | TBS Today
Dollar gets upward push as BB buys $10m more in auction at even higher rate

Dollar gets upward push as BB buys $10m more in auction at even higher rate

2h | TBS Insight
Why is Korniya called the Jamdani Sari girl?

Why is Korniya called the Jamdani Sari girl?

43m | TBS Programs
EMAIL US
contact@tbsnews.net
FOLLOW US
WHATSAPP
+880 1847416158
The Business Standard
  • About Us
  • Contact us
  • Sitemap
  • Advertisement
  • Privacy Policy
  • Comment Policy
Copyright © 2025
The Business Standard All rights reserved
Technical Partner: RSI Lab

Contact Us

The Business Standard

Main Office -4/A, Eskaton Garden, Dhaka- 1000

Phone: +8801847 416158 - 59

Send Opinion articles to - oped.tbs@gmail.com

For advertisement- sales@tbsnews.net