The Gap Year

Overwhelmed with college applications, juggling AP tests, extracurricular activities, many seniors have contemplated the path less taken—a gap year between high school and college. Nowadays, the most common path is to enter college directly after graduating from high school. Yet what if a student wants a break after overworking in high school? The answer is a gap year. Already popular in some European countries, the option of a gap year is a great chance for high school graduates to explore and participate in gap year programs. For example, there are programs for students to go abroad and volunteer. The experience allows for recent high school graduates to gain a more worldly perspective and also, mature as a person. Still, students need to be cautious about deferring a year from their intended university. Private universities are more likely to be receptive to the gap year option. As for public university, due to limited space and high demand, the gap year is not recommended. Nevertheless, students should take advantage of any opportunity before or during college to go abroad—to develop a deeper understanding of others and also themselves.