Guidance Counseling

GAP YEAR: Taking a Year Off Before College

What is a Gap Year?

A Gap Year is an alternative to going straight to college from high school. It can involve a job, internship, community service, study abroad, or a combination. It is an internationally recognized practice that lets teens figure out their interests and strengths before choosing the college experience right for them.

Reasons to consider a Gap Year:

When you are ready for college, you know what you want and you appreciate it. Meanwhile you grow up a bit more.
You can do something that makes you more attractive to the school you really want to attend.
You can work in an area of interest or explore a new geographic area, to learn more about yourself and see if you really like it.
You can save money and time until you are ready.

Gap Year Options

Whitman’s Career Center has information about various programs. A Google search of “gap year” offers an array of guides, companies, groups, and consultants. Some people who want to experience “real life” get an apartment and a full-time job, while others take a course or two while volunteering or interning in a field that interests them. Others go abroad and learn different cultures while helping those communities.

To make the most of it, a year off should be well thought out and planned ahead of time. Students and parents should thoroughly discuss financial arrangements and expectations.

“ In essence, many students take their first year off while paying full tuition.”
- Taking Time Off Colin Hall & Ron Liebe, 1996: Noonday Press. (available in Whitman Career Center)

Gap Year Considerations

How do I feel about going to college?

Going to college can be an exciting but also nerve-wracking prospect. If your friends are happily talking about it, but the idea fills you with dread, or you can’t begin to image the right school for you, maybe you aren’t ready. Each year, several Whitman students choose this option.

Should I apply to college?

Yes. If you plan to go to college after a year, you should apply while you’re a senior in high school. It’s much easier when you’re in school and have access to the transcript and counseling offices. If you get accepted at a school, tell them you wish to defer for a year. Many colleges will accept deferment for a well-planned gap year.

What about my athletic career?

If you hope to play college sports and win a scholarship, check NCAA eligibility requirements, and talk to high school and college coaches.

What are the down-sides of a gap year?

If you have no enthusiasm or real plan, you would be wasting a learning opportunity. If you feel you may never go back to school, it’s probably best not to tempt yourself.
If you have been dealing with your confusion by drinking or doing drugs, you should honestly ask whether you have the spine to take a year off, which requires energy, self-discipline, and independence.
Parents need to assess how much freedom their child can handle – and if they are ready for that, too.

How can I decide if it is right for me?

Check with Whitman’s Career Information Center about alternatives to college and suggested reading.
Ask your counselor whether college is right for you.
Get the names of Whitman students who did a gap year. Talk to them and their families.
Go online to gap year sites that help with decision-making or options.

Last modified January 7, 2008