Should I take a gap year?
Taking a “gap year” between high school and college is as popular as it’s ever been. Some students use this year to gain work and/or life experience. Others use it to take a NOLS course, travel the globe, pursue an athletic goal in a serious way, or go on a Kerouacesque #vanlife adventure. Is this something you should consider?
As with many things, my answer is “it depends.” Research suggests that there are some excellent reasons why a student might choose to take a gap year. Students who take a gap year perform better academically in college than those who transition straight from high school to college. They have higher graduation rates and lower dropout rates. They are less likely to be placed on academic or disciplinary probation. They report lower rates of anxiety, depression, and other mental health problems.
That said, many students do well in college without needing to take a gap year. These students have a better chance at completing their degree at a younger age, and their academic skills and knowledge from high school will feel fresh in their minds because they’ve been using them continuously.
In general, I tend to be encouraging with students who choose to take a gap year, since I believe that they are buying themselves an extra year of brain development to help them be more successful once they’re in college. Having a year of work or internship experience can provide valuable skills and perspective. My caveat is that the gap year is most beneficial when it is purposeful. That doesn’t mean that gap year students need to plan every minute of every day ahead of time, but it does mean doing more than playing video games behind a locked door. I suggest a healthy balance of work, travel, pursuing a passion or hobby, and physical activity.
If you’re thinking of taking a gap year, it can be advantageous to apply to colleges while you are in high school, since it will be much easier to track down transcripts and letters of recommendations, and write personal statements and supplemental essays. Talk with someone in the admissions office for each college to find out what their policy is. Some colleges actively support students who choose to take a gap year, while others may want you to reapply for admission, scholarships, and other sources of financial aid. This is information you’ll want to have before making a decision.
If you’re considering taking a gap year, I encourage you to sit down with a professional college counselor to weigh all your options before settling on your plan. I’m here to help! Sign up for a free consultation today.
