What is a gap year?
A gap year is a break between high school and college. Students use it to explore other interests like travel, work, or volunteering. It’s taken after high school graduation and before starting college the following year. Its main purpose is to give students a break from academic studies and time for self-discovery and reflection on their future education and career aspirations.
While a gap year can benefit some students after high school, it may not suit everyone.
How to make a gap year successful:
- Set goals. Determine what you want to accomplish during your time off. Remember, this is a time for learning and reflection.
- Learn new skills. Gain work experience. Make Connections.
Pro’s
- Research shows that students are more likely to graduate from college on time compared to the average of six years.
- Gaining life skills–adult skills–can be valuable during college and career years.
- Save money while working to help pay for college.
- Gap years can help students take a productive time out from stress and prepare for college with better emotional and academic coping skills.
- Students who choose to travel will learn about how other people live.
- Taking a gap year can serve as a great conversation starter during a college admissions or job interview.
Con’s
- Returning to “school” could be challenging, especially if a student is not passionate about education. However, research shows that 90% of gap-year participants attend college.
- There could be high expenses for things like traveling.
- Without a clear roadmap, a student can lose academic momentum. Planning for a gap year can take months. Consider utilizing a gap-year program.
How does a gap year impact the college application process?
- It will vary from college to college. Some colleges encourage it; others do not.
- It’s common for students to request an enrollment deferral (gap year) after being accepted to a college.
- Contact the admissions office at each college of interest and learn their policy after admittance.
- Ask colleges if students can earn credit during the gap period. Many don’t allow it.
- Many gap-year program experts recommend that students complete the college application process during their high school senior year as if they are planning to attend.
Resources:
https://www.thesca.org/
https://post.edu/
https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/
https://www.bestcolleges.com/
www.usnews.com
Sentinel Article November 9, 2023