The New OptionAn introduction to taking a gap year before college

What is a Gap Year?

A Gap Year is a structured period of personal growth that can include

activities such as volunteering, interning, language study, outdoor adventure, travel and enrichment

programs.

A gap year is typically taken between high school graduation

and higher education.

Gap Year students show a clear pattern of having higher G.P.A.s than traditional students and the positive effect lasts over all four years.

[ http://thechoice.blogs.nytimes.com]

60% of surveyed Gap Year students said the experience either "set me on my current career path/academic major" or "confirmed my choice of career/academic major.” [Haigler/Nelson, The Gap Year Advantage]

88% of Gap Year graduates report that their Gap Year significantly added to their employability. 

90% of students who take a Gap Year begin college within a year.

Advantages of aGap Year

• Explore Interests/Careers

• Discover strengths

• Break from the classroom

• Independence

• New Skills

• Maturity

• Exposure to new cultures

• Reignite interest in learning

Types of Gap Year Opportunities

• Volunteering

• Internships

• Working

• Exploring/Traveling

• Study Abroad

• Service Learning

• Enrichment/Courses

Service Learning & Study Abroad

Service LearningStudy Abroad

Working & Interning

Volunteering

Exploring/Traveling

Enrichment/Courses

College Logistics

• Easiest path: Deferment after admission– Letter of intent– Double check the school’s policy

• Financial aid– Case by case basis, most schools won’t

guarantee a package for the following year

• Reapplying during gap year:

BudgetingA gap year IS affordable.

Gap year costs can range between $4,000-$40,000

• Child’s responsibility: – Fundraising– Working– Sticking to budget

• Parent’s responsibility:– Supplementing costs – Developing a realistic budget

Potential Costs:• Program fees

• Airfare & Transport

• Visas

• Immunizations/meds

• Travel insurance

• Travel gear/clothing

• Incidentals

• Independent Travel

Tips for Planning• Open communication • Set personal goals• Create a timeline and

budget• Student = Captain

(but parents: follow up!)• Choose organizations

carefully

Questions & Answers

EnRoute Consulting, 2015, enroutegapyear.com