40% Increase Post-COVID

Gap Year Guide

Take a year to grow, explore, and gain clarity before college. A gap year might be the best decision you make.

40%

Increase in gap years post-COVID

90%

Return to college within a year

3.5

Average GPA of gap year students (vs 2.9)

73%

Say gap year helped them choose a major

What is a Gap Year?

A gap year is a semester or year of experiential learning, typically taken between high school and college. Students use this time to travel, work, volunteer, or explore interests before committing to a degree path.

Benefits

• Prevents burnout and increases college motivation
• Helps clarify academic and career interests
• Develops independence and life skills
• Gap year students often have higher GPAs
• Provides unique experiences for essays and interviews

Considerations

• Requires planning and structure
• Can be expensive without scholarships
• Friends will be a year ahead in college
• Some families/cultures don't support it
• Need to stay motivated without school structure

Is a Gap Year Right for You?

Consider it if:

• You feel burned out from high school
• You're unsure what to study
• You want real-world experience first
• You have a specific opportunity (travel, work, etc.)
• You need time to mature before college

Reconsider if:

• You're avoiding college out of fear
• You have no plan for the year
• Your deferral would risk financial aid
• You'd lose momentum without structure
• Family circumstances require immediate college