Gap Year

 Attaining a college education is important, but for the good Samaritan, it’s also essential to take time and help those less fortunate. Individuals with a heart for charitable activities use their gap year to give back to their communities through volunteer opportunities. “I love learning, but I also want to contribute to the greater human good while I’m young and don’t have as many responsibilities to consider.” 

What is a Gap Year?

After spending 12 years working toward high school graduation, perhaps the thought of heading back into the classroom for another four years has you feeling a bit restless. Maybe you’d like a break from books, teachers, and homework assignments, a chance to explore the world outside the classroom.

A gap year -- a year between high school and college dedicated to work, travel, or service -- might be what you’re looking for. 

"A semester or year of experiential learning, typically taken after high school and prior to career or post-secondary education, in order to deepen one's practical, professional, and personal awareness."

No two gap years are alike: Intentionality, deliberately expanding one's comfort zones, having a cross-cultural experience, and reflecting on your experiences are critical components to a quality gap year.

Some of the most common gap year plans fit the following profile, with an emphasis on experiential education and challenging comfort zones / sacrifice. Intentional gap years benefit students in some profound ways: Providing clarity and purpose, the student will have a better grasp on what they want to study; Improving earning and business potential with a global background that is tested in the real world; and Improving academic outcomes such as GPA, time-to-graduation, and leadership.

Why take a gap year?

If images of stunning peaks or Central American rain forests were not enough to convince you, consider some of the benefits a gap year can offer.

Learn more about yourself: Facing the physical rigors of a back country hike or the emotional challenges of volunteering with the underprivileged can teach students a lot about what they value, what they’re passionate about, and what they can achieve.

Develop confidence: Once you’ve navigated a foreign city, discussed current events with notable leaders, or learned a new language in just a few months, it’s a little easier to believe you can conquer whatever challenges come your way.

Gain valuable skills: Stronger language skills, better communications, improved professionalism and networking, and more cultural awareness are all abilities that will help you succeed in college and beyond.

Strengthen your resume: As you apply for internships and then post-college jobs, a gap year shows potential employers that you have a level of maturity, confidence, and competence that can’t help but be appealing.

Gap year pros and cons

Are there reasons not to take a gap year? That answer is up to you, but there are some questions students and their families should consider carefully before committing to the idea.

Cost: Gap year programs can run the gamut from very affordable to downright luxurious. Price needn’t be an automatic dealbreaker, however. Many programs offer generous scholarships. Students can also consider doing an organized program for a semester or a few months and using the remaining time to work and earn money. And if a program offers college credit, you might be able to use funds from a 529 college savings plan.

Momentum: A common worry among families considering a gap year is that the student might get off the academic track and have trouble getting back into the groove for college. Students and their families know their own personalities the best, but the numbers suggest that the overwhelming majority of teens who take a gap year go on to successful college careers, and may even end up with better grades on average.

Below is a guide to learn about the basics of planning a gap year, get ideas on funding a gap year, and read insights from a parent who has been there. Kick start your gap year dreams by browsing options from leading gap year programs. This newest guide listings include programs that let students learn whitewater rafting in the Rockies, intern in Israel, or do wildlife conservation in Costa Rica.

Click HERE for a great article about THE COLLEGE GAP YEAR

Including who takes a gap year, 7 reasons to take one, making the most of your gap year, how to fund one, and a Quiz: "Should you take a gap year?"

How To Avoid 5 Gap Year Mistakes - Click HERE