What to Know about Taking a Gap Year

Five Things to Know about Gap Year Programs

What is a gap year?
● Time off from school, typically either between high school and college or during college.
● Experiential education that challenges comfort zones and allows a person to see things from another perspective.     
● Consists of volunteer, study, travel, or work or a combination. Not a “goof off” time!

Why should one consider a gap year?
● Discover or rediscover passion for learning.  Many students feel “burned out” or really don’t     know why they are going to college.
● Gain greater confidence and independence, and master life skills, far more than being away at school where meals are prepared, schedules are set, etc.
● Bridge gap between formal education and real world. Gain perspective of one’s place in the world and respect for other cultures and traditions.
● Outcomes: 90% of students taking a gap year are back in school within a year (American Gap Association); students are more motivated and have a clearer idea of WHY they are in college and what they are studying; 4 year graduation rates and GPA’s are higher than non-gap year students (American Gap Association).

When should one take a gap year?
● Between high school and college
● During college
● After college before grad school
● Can be a summer, month, semester or year long.

Where does one go on a gap year?
● United States
● Anywhere in the world!

How does one go about planning for a gap year?
● Determine what are the goals, why do you want to do this? Fluent in another language, volunteer with children, interest in environment or outdoors, travel?
● Determine where to go. In the US or abroad? “If you could do anything, what would your ideal gap time look like?”
● Determine the type of program.  Many colleges have programs: Loyola Chicago Rome Start; Portland State Carpe Diem. There are organizations that plan and facilitate gap years: Andeo in Portland; Carpe Mundi provides opportunities for lower income families. Independent gap years for more budget conscious and independent students; Omprakash lists opportunities around the world.
● Determine budget. Many organizations have scholarships or give college credit.
● Request deferral. Many colleges will allow students to defer for a gap year. Be prepared to communicate the plan. It is much easier to defer than apply to college while overseas.