The Benefits of a Gap Year

Parents and students are often resistant to gap years at first blush because they perceive they will somehow “be behind”. I would love to dispel that myth and extol the virtues (for some students) on taking that year off between high school and college. Here are some reasons why a student might find a gap year helpful:

• Academic burnout after years of pressure.

• They feel a lack of a sense of direction and need time to explore interests.

• They want to save up money before tuition hits.

• They need a break and want to improve their overall mental health and wellbeing.

• Their results didn’t turn out as desired and they want to reapply to schools or programs with stronger fit or aid.

Some upsides of taking that year:

• It builds confidence and self-awareness (not to mention maturity!).

• Students will have stronger motivation when they do start college.

• They might have better college essays (real stories to tell!).

• They will have the chance to develop professional and life skills employers love.

• They often have higher GPA and graduation rates in college.

If you are a senior now and a gap year is something you are considering, the first decision you need to make is whether you would apply to college now (and defer your acceptance by a year - a practice that is welcome at most colleges) or put off the application process to your gap year. Depending on how you plan to spend that year off (and there SHOULD be a plan!), applying while still in high school has the benefit of taking that process (and the mystery of where you’ll attend) off your plate while you focus on personal growth. It is important to remember that a gap year shouldn’t just mean sitting around on the couch. You don’t need to take part in a structured program (though there are many great ones out there!); some meaningful ways to spend that year might be:

• Working: earn money, gain independence, learn how real-world schedules feel.

• Traveling: see the world (or your own backyard) and get perspective.

• Volunteering/service: make a difference in your local community

• Creative pursuits: take lessons, build a portfolio, create something meaningful.

• Family commitments: helping at home doesn’t make you less ambitious.

The key is there should be some kind of focus to the year that you can demonstrate to a college that will contribute to meaningful personal/professional development. Some final things to consider if you are considering a gap year (or even need more convincing to consider one!):  

• Set one or two concrete goals to keep a sense of purpose. These can be really small like developing a new skill or learning something new in an online class, etc.

• Keep some structure so you don’t feel adrift (part-time work, online class, volunteering schedule).

• Track and reflect on your growth using a journal, photos, blog, etc.

• IMPORTANT: If deferring college, communicate clearly with admissions to ensure your spot’s secure.

• Colleges view thoughtful gap years as maturity, not delay (definitely a value add!).

• Research shows gap-year students often outperform peers academically.

• The only wrong move is rushing through a stage you weren’t ready for; and you will not be alone, tens of thousands of students in the US make this choice every year!