Universities Weblog

(Source: Cornell University)Even though many students march in lockstep from high school to college, or at least plan to, universities often advise taking a year off to gain maturity, clarity, and perhaps a bit of money. Ideally, students will spend this "gap" year wisely (not working at "The Gap") and return to school with a renewed sense of purpose.

A recent Associated Press story shed light on this phenomenon. It's nothing new, say experts, and it's not exactly a growing trend. But many colleges typically allow—even encourage—students to defer admission for a year (it can help with enrollment management). And they don't particularly care what you do, as long as you don't apply to other schools in the interim.

I was a Gap Kid myself. In fact, I took two years off between high school and college. As a result, I was more focused and mature in college, and fared better, I'm convinced, than I would have had I entered at 18. To be honest, I didn't do anything especially exotic during those two years—the article tells us about kids working in Costa Rica or volunteering in Vietnam; I didn't have that luxury—but living in the real world and working odd jobs made me appreciate the value of education even more.

Those thinking about such a strategy can find guidance and kindred spirits at the following sites:

Gapyear.comYearoutgroup.orgTakingoff.net

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