The reality of making a four-year commitment to a university has never been more… intimidating. The costs and long-term obligations associated with college are not to be taken lightly and many students are not ready to dive into four years of intense – and specific – academic studies. In many cases teens have not come to terms with the college muse…yet.

For some students the option of taking a “Gap Year” between high school and the first year of college can provide an oasis, an opportunity to recharge, refocus and identify “Why college?” and explore what they actually want to accomplish once they are in school. This time can also provide an opportunity to reflect and decide if college is definitely the right choice for them. While many parents might view a Gap Year as financially very risky, in many cases it could be the difference between a successful and productive four years in college or dropping out in the first or second year, which is even more financially unproductive.

One thing we do know, the number of students taking a Gap Year – and the number of colleges that support them – is growing quickly. About three percent of college-bound students took a Gap Year in 2015 and even ultra-selective schools like Harvard have seen a 30% increase in the number of Gap Year students in just the last few years.

Okay, what is a Gap Year anyway?

A Gap Year can mean many things to many people and there is no one best way to spend the 365 days. The year can be very structured or completely unplanned; although, the latter is definitely discouraged for many reasons. The year can even be split between different experiences and opportunities including work, community service and might also include alternate academic and professional explorations. Any way a student chooses to spend the time, a Gap Year should be treated like an amazing free pizza – a rare opportunity that should definitely not be wasted. In addition, a teen – and families – should have guidance in creating a plan to prepare for the year with specific goals and questions to be answered. This is a perfect opportunity to leverage the knowledge and experience of an educational consultant who is familiar with guiding teens successfully to and through college, including Gap Year opportunities. When I talk with students who have had amazing Gap Year experiences they collectively encourage: plan with flexibility to seize on serendipity, meet as many people as possible, reflect often and journal daily. 

What do students actually do during a Gap Year?

There are many different approaches to a successful Gap Year experience; however, there are some common paths that provide students with the highest return. Some examples include:

• Participating in organized programs ranging from six to eleven months. While some may be expensive, very few are as expensive as a year of college. These programs often provide:
  • Academic enrichment
  • Culture/Language training
  • Specific skill training (business, cooking, flight school)
• A year to work domestically or abroad
• Volunteering domestically or abroad
• Internships at one or many companies
• Travel – solo or with others

What are the main reasons a student might consider a Gap Year?

Statistics support that students who have taken a Gap Year perform better academically and are more engaged and confident in college. An increasing percentage of students also encounter and identify those areas they ultimately are passionate about and study in college while on their Gap Year. And most importantly, a successful Gap Year leads to increased maturity and perspective, things that are valued greatly by other students, colleges, professors… and parents.

Gap Year students enter college with life experiences to draw on for college work and in discussions. A Gap Year can also provide invaluable resume – and eulogy – building statements in many different ways. Students who have taken this additional time before college consistently report feeling more grounded and mature in their approach to academics after the experience and have more appreciation for the opportunity to attend college. Done with purpose, intention and guidance students can benefit greatly from meeting new people, reflecting on their goals and approaching the future with increased clarity and purpose.

Why would colleges support students taking a gap year? 

Colleges play the numbers. They bet on students who are going to be successful in college and represent a good investment: graduate on time, raise the social awareness of the college and its classrooms while making the most of the college opportunities, and ultimately, are successful in the professional world. Statistics show that most students who take Gap Years are more likely to do extraordinary things during – and after – their year before college. A majority of these students have gone into the world and made a positive difference and by the time they start college they are recharged, rejuvenated and often have a more mature and organized approach to academics and life. Predominantly, Gap Year students are, most often, much more motivated for the rigors of college. Colleges love such students and statistics support Gap Year deferrals as a way to increase the maturity and performance of their students.

Are there prominent colleges that support taking a Gap Year?

Colleges…yes, even the Ivies, who actually lead the way, support students who choose to take a gap year and offer a one-year deferral . The list includes schools such as Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Columbia, Dartmouth, Rutgers, Middlebury, Vassar, MIT, Olin, Harvey Mudd…and the list goes on and on. However, be sure to find out the specific requirements and expectations of each school you might be looking to attend.

What should you do now if you are a student considering a Gap Year?

If you are looking to apply for a gap year there are things you definitely want to do, as well as things you should not do. For example:

Do:

• Talk with parents about what a gap year is, why a gap year might be something to consider and what you hope to learn.
• Even before you have a conversation with your parents, take time to reflect on why a Gap Year will help you achieve your near- term/long-term goals so you can answer their questions fully and thoughtfully.
• Identify your financial reality. How much money do you have to spend and will your parents help support your year? (Again, this is why you want to be prepared for the Gap Year conversation with your parents.)
• Set a year of goals. SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Time-bound) and use specificity and target dates. Parents love specific goals and dates. Goals do not have to stifle the opportunity but will rather serve as a guide for how to get the most fun from your time.
• Research the requirements that each university you are applying to has for a gap year deferral. Every college has different requirements!
• Research gap year opportunities:
  • Organized… or of your own design?
  • Domestic or abroad?
  • Work/volunteer/community service?
  • Establish travel/cost/safety of each opportunity.
  • Document your ideas and findings…as well as how each supports your goals for the year. (Again, think selling the idea to your parents…as well as the schools you are applying)
• AND…. Apply to colleges. Get in. Get a spot and obtain a Gap Year deferral. Do not wait.

Do Not:

• Take a year off without any kind of a plan for the time and what you want to accomplish.
• Leave your plan too vague: “Travel the world” or “Get a job” or “Learn to make the world’s best fish taco”… although “Learn to make and sell surfboards” wouldn’t be a bad way to spend a year if you plan well.
• While you might want to “find yourself” it is best not to use that phrase if you are trying to sell the idea to your parents.

Finally, if you are considering a Gap Year before college, ask for guidance in identifying how the time and opportunity can best serve your future goals. A few hours with someone who knows about different Gap Year opportunities and has helped students and families plan and prepare for the year can honestly change the course of your life’s signature path… in ways you cannot imagine.