Pros of taking a year off
What are the advantages of taking a gap year?
For the student with a defined career interest, a gap year offers a terrific opportunity to delve into more depth. Many gap year students are able to perform research, volunteer domestically and/or abroad, job-shadow, arrange informational interviews with professionals and get a better understanding of the realistic day to day responsibilities of a future career in their desired area of interest.
Gap years are a growing trend. Estimates range from less than 2 percent to more than 10 percent of students in the United States defers college for one year. In contrast, more than 50 percent of students in countries such as Denmark and Norway take a year off before heading to college.
Avoiding burnout.
Research has demonstrated that students who take a gap year are reinvigorated. So many students are tired of the high school grind and are disappointed that they’re not more excited about heading off to college. They are stressed out, burned out and they need a break. One student said “I felt like I was focused on college as a means to an end.”
Conversely, gap year students frequently return from their travels more independent, confident and energized to continue their studies. Holly Bull, president of the Center for Interim Programs, said “Students often land in college more focused and often do better academically.”
Increased maturity.
Colleges appreciate gap year experiences. Creating a diverse and substantive gap year program has helped students in the college admissions process. Students who were not accepted at their first choice and then choose to take a gap year and reapply, are often accepted their second go-round. Admissions officers like students who are independent thinkers and they also appreciate persistence.
Linda Connelly, a counselor at New Trier High Township High School outside Chicago remarked, “People are afraid to do something different. Low achievers, ultra-high achievers, and those in between, can benefit from time off, to stave off burnout and indulge in a little self-discovery. It’s a time to reflect and not at such a fast pace. Students learn a lot, it helps them figure out what they want. I see kids blossom, find their passions.”
Gap Year Resources
www.yearon.com – a gap year headquarters – here’s a video they prepared: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VQtLTneaPX4&feature=youtu.be&utm_campaign=Parent+%26+Counselor+webinars&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_aqZoSYaEQCXHZni5KtB2QoAokct7Bng5eq_W7tKFTXpJCqQ8_pdumxMx39HcSLz507Zr9
www.gapyear.com – a clearinghouse for gap year programs
www.thinkingbeyondborders.org – a nonprofit that provides gap year programs with a purpose.
www.usagapyearfairs.com – a traveling gap year fair with organizations, programs and gap year experts.
www.globalcitizenyear.org – a training program that provides homestays and apprenticeships in communities across the developing world.
www.interimprograms.com – first and longest-running independent gap-year counseling organization in the United States.
www.projectsabroad.com – the leading global organizer of volunteer placements including: teaching, care, conservation, medical, journalism, business and law
www.dynamy.org – one and two year gap year and internship programs
https://www.teenlife.com – a 2013 guide to gap year opportunities
Books
“The Gap Year Advantage”, Karl Haigler and Rae Nelson, $14.95
“Taking Time Off”, Princeton Review, Colin Hall and Ron Lieber, $13.00
Bierer is an independent college adviser based in Charlotte. Send questions to: lee@collegeadmissionsstrategies.com; www.collegeadmissionsstrategies.com