By Katherine Stievater, Founder, Gap Year Solutions
Every once in awhile, I find that it is useful to step back and revisit some of the basic assumptions about gap years. When a journalist contacted me this summer to answer some questions about gap years, I thought what I wrote might be useful to rework a bit and post here! So here goes.
1. What types of students might benefit most from a gap year?
There are many reasons why students choose to take a gap year (which we define as “Intentional time off from traditional academic studies to focus on personal growth and well-being”). Five “personas” that we often focus on are:
- High achieving academic burnout – need time to “heal the brain” and focus on well-being
- Talented and has been hyperfocused in a particular field (e.g., the arts, sports) and wants to expand interests – use gap time to explore new skills and get out of their bubble
- Lack of focus and high school underperformer – capable but needs to regroup and gain clarity on next steps
- Ready for college but wants to find the right fit – will apply or reapply to college during their gap year
- Mental health challenges will make college a challenge right away – need to develop more ability to live independently and make good decisions
To this I would add that some students simply want to take a break before starting college. I call this the “gift of time”. Most people will never have this opportunity again – time without real “adult” responsibility – to explore interests, travel, build skills, increase maturity, and simply pause before diving back into academics and the rigors and responsibilities of college life.
2. How can families determine whether taking time before college or beginning a career is the right choice?
Most students who are considering a gap year are not trying to decide between college and going straight into the workforce. Most students taking a gap year plan on college – they just delay the start of college (about 90% of students completing a gap year go on to a four year college). There certainly are students who take a gap year and decide not to go to college (the other 10%), but for the most part – for the reasons explained above – taking a break before college makes sense for these students.
3. How does Gap Year Solutions work when advising students on how to spend a gap year?
Every student is different, so every gap year is completely customized. We “meet students where they are,” and listen carefully to their interests, goals, and budget. We brainstorm ideas together, and will suggest different activities and experiences based on the student’s interests. But the student makes the decisions – we believe in personal accountability.
After the decision to take gap time, we like to say “Parents sit in the back seat.” We are a student’s coach and mentor throughout this process, and continue to work with them and check in regularly throughout their gap time. Unlike others, Gap Year Solutions is not a “placement service”. I have personally raised four boys, all of whom have taken gap years and gone on to attend both public university and private colleges. We truly understand today’s teens and the complex demands they face. Our approach leads to honest conversations, and ultimately, transformative experiences. We encourage students to embrace this unique opportunity to push the pause button, dream big, be authentic and believe in themselves!
4. What should parents and students consider when comparing gap-year programs, including structure, safety, cost, student support and measurable outcomes?
There are many different types of gap year experiences a student can have: formal “facilitated” gap year programs, semi-structured programs, solo travel, part-time paid work, volunteering, skills training (e.g., wilderness and first aid/ CPR certification, cooking classes, etc.), art and music study, and so on. The options are really unlimited and bounded only by the student’s imagination and goals. Budget matters too of course.
When we vet gap year programs – both facilitated and semi-structured ones which enroll a cohort of students who often live together – we have a long list of questions for the Program Director. These cover program history and philosophy, their goals, safety and operating track record, emergency procedures, staff (training, tenure), onsite personnel, types of activities, program length, public reviews and feedback from alums (we ask for references), and other criteria. Parents investigating options without a gap year consultant should do the same thing.
5. Do you know statistically how many students take a gap year or can you share any relevant data?
There is little data available on gap years in the U.S. Most of what is in the public domain is quite old, sometimes from 10-15 years ago. So Gap Year Solutions has collected our own data and done our own analysis on a variety of gap year topics. This is all available on our website Blog and Resources pages (here is one example and another example). From all the surveys we have completed with both U.S. high schools and colleges, we believe that 2-3% of graduating high school seniors choose to delay the start of college to take a gap year. This is equivalent to approximately 40,000 students taking gap time each year.
