What Is a Gap Year?

A gap year is a semester or full year of experiential learning typically taken between high school graduation and college enrollment. Gap years are intended to give students a break from academics to discover themselves and consider what kind of education and career they want to pursue.

Gap years take many forms and can involve doing paid work, completing an internship, volunteering, or traveling. These activities can also be done independently or as part of a structured gap-year program.

Want to learn more? Check out this article and information from the Gap Year Association.