A gap year is a period of time used for formal, practical learning, lasting anywhere from 2 weeks to a year. This time is taken after high school graduation, before starting college or a career. Students who decide to take a gap year want some developmental experiences before starting their next step.

A gap year is not the same as just taking time off or "taking a break". It is done in association with a program and has a purpose, an end date, and set goals.

A well-planned gap year can help students:

• Clarify their career interests and goals
• Prepare for college
• Develop organizational and life skills
• Gain a sense of maturity and self-confidence
• Meet new people and network
• Experience other cultures and gain global awareness
• Improve their job prospects
• Is a gap year right for me? 

Students who take a gap year tend to be self-motivated, not afraid of taking a risk and are open to explore their interests to discover their passions.

Read the following scenarios and see if any of them apply to you. If so, you might benefit from a gap year program.

• Not ready for college. Maybe you lack self-confidence or have not clearly defined your interests/career options.
• You have had your fill of classroom learning and want to take a breather, so when you start college, you are refreshed and ready to give your best.
• You want real-life experience that builds your resume and makes you more attractive to future employers.
• Haven’t been accepted to the college of your choice and want to use your gap experience to improve your application and make you more appealing to the school.

What do colleges and universities think about students taking a gap year?
Many colleges/universities support and encourage students to consider a gap year. They recognize that by taking a productive year out, students enter college with more maturity and self-confidence and better wisdom and experience to handle the upcoming challenges. Many universities now allow accepted students to defer entrance, in order to complete a gap year program.

I want to take a gap year before starting college. Should I still submit my college application?
Even if you know ahead of time that you may want to take a gap year, you should still go through the college application process during your senior year and choose a college. You may then be able to defer admission one year. It’s best to contact the college’s admissions office directly to ask them if it is included in any of their written admissions policy.

How can taking a gap year help with starting a career?
One of the biggest gap year benefits is career experience. There are lots of gap year programs that give you the chance to practice careers that interest you. You’ll gain important professional experience including meeting people in the field, learning the daily tasks of the profession, and getting an understanding of the workplace culture. Afterward, students can use their gap year experiences to boost their resumes.

How will I pay for my gap year?
There are many scholarships and grants available for students interested in taking a gap year. Many gap year programs even offer students need-based scholarships and financial aid. Some gap year programs partner with colleges so that students can receive financial aid after completing the FAFSA. When searching for a gap year program, be sure to review the scholarship and financial aid opportunities that they have available.

Where can I find more information and search for gap year programs?
Gap Year Association and Teen Life, both have a lot of information on taking a gap year and the great programs available.

Be sure to also speak with your College & Career Counselor!

Senior Planning Checklist 
Seniors - you can use this checklist to help you track your progress toward planning your gap year!