Is a ‘gap year’ before college a good idea?

Princeton encourages it. Harvard’s a big fan. From Tufts to MIT, some of the most prestigious universities in the nation are urging students to consider something that would make most parents cringe: The idea of putting off college for a year in favor of some much-needed downtime. Read more.

I LOVE this part of the advice: “Get in first: A gap year should be a measured decision, not a procrastination technique.” Sometimes students tell me they aren’t going to apply to colleges because they plan to take a year off. That’s a big mistake.  Get some college acceptances in their pocket before you decide to take a year off.

Gap Year Links:

• The Center for Interim Programs is the first and longest-running independent gap-year counseling organization in the United States.
• USA Gap Year Fairs is a national circuit of events that bring together reputable Gap Year organizations, interested students and parents, high school college counselors and Gap Year experts.
• The American Gap Association is a 501(c)3 nonprofit accreditation and standards-setting organization for Gap Years that is recognized as such by the US Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission.
• The Leap is a UK-based gap year service that, according to its web site, “offers an unrivaled collection of financially-protected, high-quality gap year placements where safety comes first – all organized and supported by caring and experienced staff.”
• New Trier High School (IL) Gap Year Guide. The link was retrieved in May 2016. Check their web site for more resources.
• Online, Searchable Database of Gap Year Programs

Also read, “Should I Take Time Off?” from the Harvard University admissions office.