Going directly to college or university may work for some students, but many will benefit from taking time off before starting uni.
“A Gap Year is an experiential semester or year ‘on,’ typically taken between high school and college in order to deepen practical, professional and personal awareness.” – American Gap Association
They love it (mostly). Why? Your experiences broaden and mature you. So pick experiences that will broaden and mature you.
For a UK perspective: Read this article from The Uni Guide.
For a US perspective: Read this article.
Harvard’s take:
We encourage 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. Deferrals for two-year military service are also granted.
MIT states
We encourage students to take a gap year to explore and grow. Every year we have a number of students apply to MIT after a gap year and more students who request a gap year after being admitted to MIT. Taking a gap year before applying to MIT simply gives students more experiences to share with us through the application process.
Matt McGann, previous Director of Admissions, said in his 2011 blog, “No one ever regrets having taken a gap year, but plenty of people regret not having taken one.”
Several US colleges even fund specific GAP year experiences. Read about those here.
Some programs to consider:
- –Adventure Cross Country
- –Art History Abroad
- –Council on International Education Exchange
- –Rustic Pathways College Options
- –Tufts 1+4 Bridge Year
- –University Deferral Policies
- –Where There Be Dragons
- –Global Citizen Year
- –Global Gap Year Fellowship (UNC Chapel Hill)
- –Middlebury Gap Semester
- –Gap FORCE
- –Semester at Sea
- –Verto Education
- –Field Studies
- –CET Academic Programs
- –World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms
- –Novogratz Bridge Year Program (Princeton)
- –Map The Gap International
- –The School of the New York Times
- A long list accompanies a thoughtful article at Transitions Abroad and more here and here.
Go Overseas offers several options and counseling services.
Real GAP provides several options.
Teen Life has over 600 programs listed in their data base
GAP Year Association Professional association with searchable database and affiliated consultants
Dynamy Internship Year Dynamy Internship Year (DIY) is a domestic, long-standing gap-year program created for students ages 17-22 who want to pursue a unique, hands-on learning experience.
Article: What to do on a gAP Year by Forbes
Great Article: 14 Unique Ways to Spend a Gap Year
Below are high quality GAP year experiences.