February is Gap Year Exploration Month: what better time to talk about the Gap Year Experience? You may consider the practice of taking a year off between high school and college as an exclusively European one, but in recent years, this option has become increasingly popular among American students.
What is a Gap Year, exactly?
Students typically take gap years between senior year of high school and the first year of college. It can be as structured or as unstructured as you want to make it, although I would argue the best experiences are a mix of both. Activities could include work, internships, cultural and language immersion, travel, service, farming or wildlife programs, college courses, or arts programs.
Why should I consider this option?
Even in pre-COVID times, students graduated from high school “done in” from meeting all the demands the college process asks of them. Sadly, these young adults often struggle to muster up the enthusiasm for what society insists is “the best time of their lives.” Other kids aren’t ready for the independence college requires. For some, they want more time and experience to figure out an appropriate program of study before investing all that money on a four-year degree. These are but a few of the reasons to consider taking a gap year.
According to the Gap Year Association, students who take a gap year go on to earn higher GPAs than those students who do not. 94% of them graduate on time (well above their non-gap year counterparts) and much less likely to transfer. How to explain the impressive stat? Gap year programs allow young adults the breathing room to increase their self-awareness, gain independence, and learn real- life skills they missed out on during years of cramming for APs and SATs. They experience a break from studies and start college with a fresh, recharged mindset, motivated to succeed.
How do I begin researching gap year ideas?
If you are considering a gap year, be intentional about why you are doing it. What are your goals? Do you want to become fluent in a foreign language, work with an underserved community, or explore career options? I recommend researching gap year activities no later than the spring of senior year so you can hit the ground running the following September. The best gap year experiences are well- planned. That doesn’t mean they must be part of a formal program, however. Gap year programs offer structure and the camaraderie of other young adults, and can help with complicated logistics -but they can be expensive. I advise customizing a mix of activities, tailored to your goals. For example, the year could look like this: work on a political campaign, travel, take a college-level course, get a paying job, or any combination.
Any other tips?
Ideally, students apply to college first, get admitted, and then contact the school to request a gap year deferral. That way, you can take advantage of the resources your high school offers, such as guidance on the college list and application. At the very least, you want to make sure your letters of recommendation and transcripts are ready to go and your common app is completed. It’s also important to note that some (mostly very selective) schools will not allow students to take college courses during their gap year, so check with the schools you are interested in first before planning your gap year. Your intended college will need to sign off on your gap year plans.
If the idea of a gap year sounds intriguing, and for more information about gap year programs, contact me at [email protected].