A Gap Year ? comments from an expert

In my May musings (It’s Spring ~ Now What?) I was trying to recapture the uncertainly facing 18 year olds as they made the Big Decision ~ what to do after high school. At about the same time, I had the pleasure of meeting Paul Mahon, founder of Planet Gap Year and I asked him to explain the emerging trend of taking time off between high school and college.

What's the idea behind the gap year, Paul?

As the Founder of Planet Gap Year, I am dedicated to getting the message out to students, parents and high school advisers that taking a "gap year" before going to college is an option that is gaining broad acceptance with U.S college bound students, parents, and college admissions departments. The benefits of stepping off the educational treadmill between high school graduation, and starting college, are convincing more people to defer college entrance for a year or more after high school graduation.

Experts in the field of higher education, from admissions directors to independent college planning consultants are increasingly in agreement about the benefits of gap year for incoming freshman. Many American high school seniors are burnt out from the academic treadmill of high school, and often are not ready emotionally for the challenges of college life. The U.S. Department of Education reports that 30% of incoming freshman college students drop out before sophomore year! The financial and emotional cost to students and families are daunting, especially given the astronomical cost of a year of college in the U.S. today. The benefits of taking a 'gap year' most frequently mentioned include: increased self-confidence, emotional maturity, academic and career direction, and improved life skills. Students who have completed gap year experiences are now coming forward to tell others about the positive impact time out has made on their personal academic and career choices.

The idea underlying 'gap year' is that students who take a well-structured block of time after high school graduation to mature, challenge themselves in new ways outside traditional class room settings, and explore career options and interests, ultimately do better in college, career and life than students who don't take a breather, and head off directly to college. What activities do students undertake during a gap year? The range is enormous, but the most popular options are volunteering, interning, traveling, teaching, studying and exploring other cultures.

For in depth planning information and resources, visit http://www.planetgapyear.com/. Read stories from students who have already planned a gap year, search our database of gap year options. If you want a greater understanding of 'gap year' please read our FAQ's for parents and students, and read my blog for the latest news and commentary on the student gap year trend in the U.S.

Thanks for these insights, Paul.