{"id":852,"date":"2022-09-09T23:31:48","date_gmt":"2022-09-09T23:31:48","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/uniquest.xyz\/?page_id=852"},"modified":"2026-10-15T11:16:54","modified_gmt":"2026-10-15T11:16:54","slug":"gap-year","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/uniquest.xyz\/index.php\/for-counselors\/gap-year\/","title":{"rendered":"GAP Year"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Benefits<\/p>\n

Going directly to college or university may work for some students, but many will benefit from taking time off before starting uni.<\/p>\n

What is a Gap Year?<\/span><\/b><\/div>\n

“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\u00a0<\/span>Association<\/span><\/p>\n

What do Universities think of it?<\/span><\/b><\/div>\n

They love it (mostly). Why? Your experiences broaden and mature you. So pick experiences that will broaden and mature you.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

For a UK perspective: Read this article from The Uni Guide.<\/a><\/p>\n

For a US perspective: Read this article<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Harvard’s take:<\/p>\n

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\u2014provided they do not enroll in a degree-granting program at another college. Deferrals for two-year military service are also granted.<\/em><\/p>\n

MIT states<\/p>\n

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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.<\/em><\/p>\n

Matt McGann, previous Director of Admissions, said\u00a0in his 2011 blog<\/a>, \u201cNo one ever regrets having taken a gap year, but plenty of people regret not having taken one.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n

Several US colleges even fund specific GAP year experiences. Read about those here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Some programs to consider:<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n