What's a Gap Year and How Do I Take One?

Are you thinking about taking a year off between high school and college? Participating in a "gap year" could offer you nontraditional learning opportunities, lifechanging adventures, and a more successful path for college and your future career.

What is a gap year?

Taking a "gap year," as the name implies, means scheduling a "gap" between high school and college focused on personal growth with opportunities to learn and explore. Gap years can fall into two main categories: organized programs and independently planned. Organized gap year programs provide support and structure, while some students prefer the independence that comes from designing their own experience.

Types of gap year programs include:

• Non-university study
• Domestic and international travel
• Internships
• Religious engagement
• Community service
• Working in an industry of interest

Why do students take gap years?

The gap year is an opportunity to focus on intellectual, physical, emotional, and/or spiritual development, and it can often help participants feel more prepared for college and future careers. Gap years can also be beneficial if you are experiencing burnout from your formal education years, if you are not satisfied with your college admissions offers, or if you simply need more time to form an education plan.

How can you find out about gap year programs?

There are several websites that can help you search for a gap year program, including Gap Year Association and Teen Life.  For additional guidance, consider asking a teacher in a favorite subject, an advisor, your school counselor, or other students who have taken a gap year for ideas and assistance. Examples of how students have spent their gap years include learning Spanish while volunteering in South America, developing life skills by holding a job and renting an apartment, and participating in a leadership development program through Outward Bound.

How much does a gap year cost?

Costs vary widely. You may live at home and do a paid internship—and make money—or you may travel to Spain or Israel and pay $10,000-30,000 or more in expenses. Organized gap year programs, especially international programs, charge a fee. If you are interested in free or low-cost programs, consider volunteering.

What is the procedure for deferring admission to college?

Most colleges will support you taking a gap year. In fact, admissions officers may have informative posts on their college websites about reasons to do so, such as Harvard University.

Here are helpful tips if you are considering a gap year and want to apply to college first:

• Find out each college's policy on gap years before you apply. You may be able to defer your acceptance and send a deposit to hold your place, or you may need to re-apply.
• If you were offered financial aid or scholarships, you will need to apply again for need-based financial aid from the college you will attend. If you initially received merit-based aid, it may be possible to defer it until you begin at the college, but you should check the college's policy.
• Some gap year programs offer college credit, but you will want to check with the college you plan to attend and find out their policies on accepted credits from a gap year program.

Planning effectively for your gap year is the key. Be sure you do your research before you make the gap year decision.

Where can I get more information?

Check with the Gap Year Association for more details on taking a gap year. You will find helpful videos, a list of programs, and tips on making the most of your experience.