Key Takeaways
- A gap year is a planned break between high school and college to explore interests, gain valuable experience, or prepare for college.
- Taking a gap year can help students learn responsibility, discover what they like, improve their college applications, and save money.
- A downside of a gap year is delaying college, which can sometimes make it challenging to return to school.
- Students can spend a gap year working, traveling, volunteering, or combining these activities.
- You can stay motivated by setting goals, making a plan, and checking in with family or mentors.
Deciding whether to take a gap year before college is a big choice. Some students take a year off to work, volunteer, travel, or save money for school. Others use it to explore their interests or figure out their career goals. This time could also just give you a break from years of non-stop studying to reflect on what matters most. A gap year could be helpful, but it’s not for everyone.
This guide covers what a gap year is, its pros and cons, and what you can do to get the most from this experience.
What Is a Gap Year?
A gap year is a planned break between high school and college (or at any point during college). During this time, students explore their interests, try new experiences, or get ready for college.
High school can be busy and stressful, and many students haven’t had time to think about what they really want before starting college. A gap year gives students the space to reflect on themselves, explore personal interests, and reduce stress from academic pressure.
Not many national studies track how many students take gap years, but the Gap Year Association says the number jumped from 1.8% to 4.9% during the pandemic and went down to 2.6% for the class of 2023.
Pros and Cons of a Gap Year
Thinking about taking a gap year? It can be an exciting chance to try new things, learn more about yourself, and get ready for college. Before you make this important decision, it helps to consider the pros and cons.
Pros
- Explore your interests: A gap year gives you time to think about what you really want to study and what career might fit you best.
- Learn responsibility: Working, volunteering, or living on your own teaches important skills like managing money, problem-solving, and managing your time.
- Make your college application stronger: Colleges like to see students who have done meaningful activities outside of school. A gap year spent working, volunteering, or traveling can make your application stand out.
- Earn or save money: Working during a gap year can help you save for college and reduce future debt.
- Academic and personal growth: Structured gap years may improve GPA by helping students return to college with more focus, passion, and maturity.
Cons
- Start college later: Taking a year off means you’ll begin college a year after your friends, which may affect social connections or plans for the future.
- Lose study momentum: Some students find it hard to return to school after taking a break.
- It can be expensive: Traveling or joining programs can cost a lot of money if not planned carefully.
Weighing these pros and cons can help you decide if a gap year is right for you. If you choose to take one, the next step is thinking about how to spend your time, so it’s helpful for your future.
What Can You Do if You Take a Gap Year?
There are many ways to spend a gap year and make it meaningful. It’s a good idea to choose activities that help you grow and connect to your future college or career goals.
1. Work
You can get a job to earn money, gain valuable experience, and explore career options. Try to find work related to your interests. For example, if you like animals, you can help at a veterinary clinic, or if you want to study business, you can work at an office. Working in a field related to your future major can provide experience and help with career planning.
2. Travel
Traveling can help you learn about new cultures, meet new people, and try new things. You can travel to other countries or even explore parts of the U.S. Studying a language, visiting historic sites, or learning about local customs can be fun and useful for college later. Travel can also help you grow as a person and give you stories to share in your applications. Programs like Global Gap Year or the Center for Interim Programs can help you plan this experience.
3. Volunteer
Volunteering can let you help others while learning new skills. Choose opportunities related to your future career to show colleges you are serious about your goals. For instance, if you’re interested in healthcare, you can look into volunteering at a hospital. Volunteering not only strengthens your college application, but it can also help you grow while showing commitment to meaningful work.
You can consider pairing work, travel, and volunteer opportunities for a well-rounded gap year. Many students find that this combination gives them the most out of their time off from school. Doing different activities can help you learn new skills, explore your interests, and even work on personal projects, hobbies, or creative pursuits that school didn’t allow time for.
How Can You Stay Motivated During a Gap Year?
A gap year can be exciting, but it’s easy to lose focus. Here are some tips to help you stay on track:
- Set goals: Decide what you want to do. You can save money, learn a skill, or do a volunteer project.
- Make a schedule: Plan your year with a mix of work, travel, and learning. Having a routine helps you stay productive.
- Reflect on your experiences: Keep a journal, blog, or photo diary. Writing down what you learn can help you remember lessons and stories for college applications.
- Stay connected: Talk to mentors, friends, or family for support. They can help you stay motivated during your gap year.
Following these tips can help you make the most of your gap year and grow from your experiences.
Is a College Gap Year Right for You?
A gap year isn’t right for everyone. Think about your goals, your finances, and how ready you feel for college. If you decide to plan a gap year, plan it carefully, stay active, and focus on experiences that help you grow. A well-planned gap year can help you return to college more focused, mature, and prepared for success.
Some colleges allow students to defer enrollment for a year, and structured programs for fellowship opportunities can make the gap year even more meaningful.
When you’re ready to start your college journey, try our FREE College Match tool. It can help you find schools that align with your goals, estimate costs, and assess your chances of admission, making it easier to plan your next steps with confidence.
