The idea of taking a “gap year” between high school and college has been gaining ground in the US in the past few years, while it’s been a popular option in Europe, Australia, and New Zealand since the 1960s. Many choose to apply to colleges during their senior year but then defer admission for a full year while they travel, volunteer, work, or some combination of these activities for the year after high school graduation.
The idea of stopping the clock for a year might sound appealing. The twin impulses of taking a break and jumping into new experiences and activities can motivate different students to make this decision. Whether it’s taking the time to reflect on your goals and beliefs or having the time to travel and volunteer, a gap year has undeniable benefits. Many students feel “burnt out” by the time high school graduation rolls around, and the notion of slowing down and taking a break from school can be enticing. Other students might be frustrated by the lack of time to “do something” in high school, to make a difference in other people’s lives, because they are too overwhelmed with studying, test-taking, and college applications.
Several prestigious colleges and universities have publically come out in favor of students taking a gap year because they believe that students might just enter college better-prepared for that year off, and better-prepared students tend to graduate at higher rates. Keep in mind that three out of five students who enter a public, four-year college do not manage to graduate in five years, and nearly 30 percent of all first-year students do not return for their sophomore year.
So, what do students do during a gap year? The most popular option is probably participating in international education programs that combine language study and homestays with community service and independent study. Whether it’s teaching English to kids in Thailand or promoting healthy practices in Panama, opportunities to experience the world and help create a positive change are plentiful. Costs of these programs vary, of course, and parents may have conditions for their kids before financing such a trip. Students and parents should have a frank discussion about expenses and how to finance such an adventure.
If foreign travel is beyond your budget or expectations, you might choose to work and earn money that will help you pay for college or future travel. You might look into volunteering opportunities closer to home. This could be your chance to dive into a political campaign or to commit to a Habitat for Humanity project that you couldn’t do while in school. Or maybe you want the time and mental space to devote to creative projects like writing a novel, composing a symphony, or choreographing a show. Colleges will look favorably on endeavors that show you have challenged yourself in some way during your time off of school.
Of course, it’s safer to get into a college before you take time off than to put the whole college application process off for a year. Most admissions offices will gladly grant a year’s deferral to admitted applicants; just contact the admission office by email or phone to make your request. However, some students who are not satisfied with any of their college choices do take a year off and re-apply during that time to different colleges. In these cases, be sure you have some productive activities to show for your time off, whether it’s working, volunteering, studying part-time, or contributing in some way to your community.
Tina Brooks
Admission Counselor and Transfer Coordinator
