Are you planning on entering college right after high school graduation this spring? Or are you thinking of taking a little time off? Taking a year--a "gap year" to explore, travel, volunteer or work is becoming more and more common.

What is a "Gap Year"?
A "gap year" is a 13th year of "education" prior to college. Back in the late 1800s and even into the early 1900s, the "gap year" was quite commonly a "finishing" year, where young women acquired the social skills they'd need to survive as adults. Now, the "gap year" is typically taken either to broaden your personal horizons or to gain a little real world experience.

Why take a "Gap Year"?
Students take a 13th year for all sorts of reasons--but the two reasons most often cited include burnout and insufficient real world experience. Let's face it, children work very hard for 13 (and sometimes more) years to complete Kindergarten through High School. It's very likely they do indeed need a break before jumping full force into higher education. The "real world" argument also has a lot of merit. Though some students do volunteer or work outside the home and others are able to travel or study abroad, many of today's students don't have these opportunities. The 13th year, without an academic burden, allows students to pick up some real world experiences.

Will it Hurt College Admissions Later
Doubtful. A little personal and emotional growth could be a very good thing; and, many of the activities students pursue during the "gap year" certainly look good on a resume.

Where Can You Find Information on Planning for a "Gap Year" Experience?
The "gap year" should certainly be approached with a solid plan--student's should not be allowed to float aimlessly through the 12 months after high school.

Nick Vandome's Planning Your Gap Year or Karl Haigler and Rae Nelson's The Gap Year Advantage are two really great resources for parents and students.

However you approach the "gap year," at least give some very real consideration to (1) what you're going to do, (2) where you're going to do it, (3) what you want to get out of the experience, and (4) how you will measure the benefit or impact of this experience. Take a chance, take a break, and have fun. College will still be there for you when you're done!

Until next time!

Lynn Byrne

Preparing for college admissions? Trying to find direction? Need a little help with the planning? Check out my college planning series:

• College Planning Made Easy--the planning and preparation workbook for the take charge, college-bound student,
  
• Paying for College Made Easy--a college financing guide designed to assist students and families in preparing and planning for higher education expenses; and
  
• The Great Scholarship Search--my guide for students and parents researching and applying for scholarship funding.