What is a gap year?

A gap year is a break from formal education, typically between high school and college. Many students choose to travel the world or try out an internship.

If you’re considering a gap year, it’s important to plan ahead. Think about how your gap year will influence your future career – and set yourself goals to keep track of your progress.

Let’s take a look at everything you need to know, including the pros and cons of a gap year – and how to make the most of this exciting time in your life!

What is a gap year?

A gap year is any period away from education, but it usually refers to the gap between finishing high school and starting college.

There are lots of popular gap year activities, but you can use your year however you choose. You might take a break after a busy exam season, travel the world, or learn a new skill before college.

Gap year pros and cons

A gap year can be a fantastic chance to broaden your horizons and try out new experiences. However, it’s not for everyone.

Let’s take a look at some gap year pros and cons:

✅ Pros	❌ Cons
Take time to decide what you want to study or where you want to work Grow your confidence with new experiences Gain invaluable skills to add to your resume You can recharge before starting a new chapter in life	The cost – taking a gap year can be expensive You’ll be taking a break from education or work – you may lose momentum or fall behind other people your age It takes a lot of planning, especially if you’re traveling abroad

What are the main reasons for taking a gap year?

There are a few key reasons why you may want to take a gap year, particularly before a big change like starting college.

Personal growth

A gap year is a chance for personal growth and development.

If you’re completing an internship or getting valuable work experience, a gap year can grow your confidence and expand your horizons. You’ll try out new experiences that can help you gain perspective and contribute to self-discovery.

Formative gap-year activities like volunteering or traveling can give you a better understanding of who you are – and what you want from your life.

Academic and career exploration

A gap year isn’t just about travel. It’s a great opportunity to explore your academic or career possibilities before starting college. Many students choose to complete an internship or work placement to get more experience.

If you want to spend your gap year abroad, there are lots of opportunities to further your career prospects while you travel. You can volunteer with an important organization or teach abroad to gain new skills.

How does a gap year affect college admissions?

If you intend on going to college after your gap year, it’s considered best to apply for a college place at the usual time. Once you receive your acceptance, you can ask for a deferral.¹ Make sure to double-check how and when to defer admission at your chosen university.

Many colleges look favorably on gap years. For example, Harvard College encourages admitted students to

“defer enrollment for one year to travel, pursue a special project or activity, work, or spend time in another meaningful way – provided they do not enroll in a degree-granting program at another college”²

You can also earn college credits from some gap year programs, which can contribute to your future academic goals.

How much does a gap year program cost?

A gap year program is a specific, scheduled gap year that can help you make the most of your time away from education.

Many universities sponsor gap year projects for students. Princeton University’s Novogratz Bridge Year Program® runs for 9 months – and it’s tuition-free.³ It encourages learning and development for newly admitted undergraduate students.

You can choose from one of 6 locations, including Bolivia, Cambodia, Costa Rica, India, Indonesia, and Senegal. Everything is organized for participants in the program, from your accommodation to your work placement.⁴

There are also a range of other gap year programs, including:
Impact Gap Year® Sea|mester Study Abroad at Sea® The Intern Group®

Gap-year programs vary in cost depending on which provider and location you choose. For example, the Sea|mester Study Abroad at Sea: Antigua to Granada -w- Antigua Yacht Regatta costs 27,770 USD for 80 days.⁵ A program like Impact Gap Year could cost up to 18,320 USD for 8 months.⁶

You’ll also need to consider any additional costs, like travel to and from the program, and how much you’ll spend when you get there.

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Planning your gap year

If you want to take a gap year, you’ll need to plan how you want to spend it. You can choose a scheduled gap year program or plan your own time.

Let’s take a look at how to effectively prepare for your gap year.

Do your research

It’s important to do your research before heading out on your gap year. The American Gap Association is a helpful resource, with detailed information about your options.

During your research, ask yourself questions such as:
How long do I have for my gap year? Do I want to travel? Where do I want to go? What activities do I want to do? What’s my budget? Should I choose a program or create my own plan?

You should stay on top of any college admin, such as paying your deposit or deferring your admission. This will ensure you can smoothly start the college year as expected.

Setting goals

Giving yourself achievable goals can help you plan your gap year. Although it’s good to take some time to rest and recharge after high school, meeting goals can ensure your year isn’t a waste.

There are lots of potential goals, so you need to think about what works best for you. You may want to:

• Learn a new skill
• Save a set amount of money
• Find a sense of purpose

Set yourself short- and long-term goals to achieve during your gap year, and track your progress as you go.

Choosing the right activities

There are so many gap year activities you can choose from – but it’s important to find the right activities for you.

You could:
Volunteer in the US or abroad Get an internship or work experience placement Teach overseas Learn a new language and culture Get involved in sports

Whether you’re rock climbing in Patagonia or providing humanitarian support in Africa, choosing the right activities can help you make the most of your gap year.

Funding your gap year

A gap year can be expensive, especially if you want to travel. Make sure you have enough money to support your gap year plans.

Some students choose to work for half of the year and travel for the other half. This means you can save enough money to enjoy your time abroad.

You may also want to save money for college at the end of your gap year, so don’t forget to set yourself financial goals.

How to know if a gap year is right for you

Before taking a gap year, you need to decide if it’s right for you.

If you’re not interested in travel or you don’t have any voluntary or career development activities in mind, you may want to go straight to college after high school.

Gap-year programs are a great way to manage your time, but they can be very expensive – so it’s important to think about whether a gap year is something you can reasonably afford.

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A gap year is a fun, formative way to take a break from education and spend time working on yourself. You can rest, earn money, or travel the world! However, it’s important to understand if a gap year is right for you.

Prioritizing new experiences and personal growth can help you make the most of your gap year – and you’ll need to research and plan the best activities for you.

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Sources:

1. The American Gap Association
2. Harvard College
3. Princeton College
4. Princeton College
5. Seamester
6. Impact Gap Year

Sources checked on 03.04.2024