Should I take a gap year?

Should I take a gap year? — I’ve been getting this question a lot lately. I'm not keen on "selling" students on the gap year because that kind of goes against what I think a good gap year is: allowing space for individuals to seek answers to their own questions; get comfortable with uncertainty; build confidence in knowing they can make their own choices; and learn to make mistakes and recover from them. Those are some huge life lessons that I believe help one to be successful and (more importantly) live a happy life. I am, however, an advocate of the gap year because of the powerful impact it had on my life, and the lives of hundreds of students I’ve worked with.

Deciding whether or not to take a gap year is a tough and somewhat scary decision. Graduating from high school is the first time in our lives when next steps aren't already laid out for us. It's OK to feel uncertain, and it's OK to not know exactly what you want to do with your life right now.

Uncertainty or anxiety about choosing a major or career is one reason to consider a gap year. College is expensive. Is it worth it? Absolutely! (I loved college so much that I went back for a master’s.) However, is it worth wasting a year or two (and all of that tuition $) trying to figure out why you are there, and possibly taking more than 4 years to complete a bachelor’s because you started before you were ready?

College will still be there in a year. A gap year won’t be the answer to all of life’s questions. But, if you make it a meaningful gap year, you will likely gain perspective and may find you feel alright with not knowing all the answers. An intentional gap year that allows you to gain real-world experience, get comfortable with uncertainty, and become more confident about your future could be worthwhile.

Maybe you know what you want to major in and have already pinpointed a career path, but just aren’t sure you’re ready for the independence college requires. Some gappers choose to take a gap year because they are young for their grade or haven’t spent much time away from home. A gap year is a good opportunity to learn important life skills, such as, cooking, budgeting, communication, building community (making friends), and learning resilience.

Some students choose a gap year because they recognize this transition period is one of the few times in our lives where it is relatively easy to hit pause and enjoy a year filled with adventure and learning new things through hands on experiences. Gap years later in life are possible, but often more logistically complicated. A gap year because you can — why not?

No matter your reason for considering a gap year, ask yourself:

What could I do next year to help prepare me for college?

Do I need to learn some basic life skills such as, doing my own laundry, getting myself up in the morning and out the door on time, or communicating effectively?

Could I use a gap year to gain some experience in fields that I’m interested in through an internship or shadowing someone whose profession interests me?

Make a list of things you could do during your gap year that makes you feel excited. Remember, a gap year is both a time to learn new skills and explore your interests and passions.

Some students and parents worry that a gap year will impact college plans. Research by the Gap Year Association shows that 90% of students who take a gap year return to college within one year. Not only that, students who took gap years earned higher GPAs than their non-gap year peers. 75% of gap year alum surveyed reported that their gap year helped them to get a job, and 84% said their gap year helped them to learn skills that allowed them to succeed in their career. Each year more and more colleges embrace the gap year as a positive experience for students. Harvard encourages all admitted students to consider taking a gap year.

Are there reasons NOT to take a gap year? Yes! While many offers of admission can be deferred, not all scholarships can be deferred for a gap year. Talk to your admissions officer to see if any scholarships or financial aid you have been awarded could be deferred for a gap year. Some students plan to use a gap year to reapply to schools that did not admit them previously. This is not a good reason to choose a gap year. There is no guarantee one will be admitted because of a gap year, and one risks losing their deferred spot if the school they committed to attending after the gap year finds out that they are using their gap year to apply to other schools.

If you'd like to chat more about gap year possibilities. I’d love to speak with you. Schedule a free introductory call with me here.

NEW Virtual and Domestic Gap Year Programs for 2020

2020 has been a record year for the gap year as more students than ever before weighed the option of a virtual freshmen year or limited on-campus interaction with a COVID-style gap year. I consulted with more families than ever before from March - September. While not everyone decided that a gap year was the right choice for them, every one of the gap year students I ended up working with has declared that a gap year was the right choice. This fall I have had students participate in virtual gap year programs, in-person structured domestic gap year programs, as well as, DIY or “recipe” gappers who worked on electoral campaigns, worked to earn money, took a class, or volunteered close to home.

Virtual Gap Programs

A virtual gap year program at first seemed antithetical to the entire notion of a gap year, which has traditionally focused on experiential learning. However, program providers have developed some rich and engaging virtual options. These new virtual gap year programs offer students the opportunity to: participate in cultural exchange, language learning, and volunteer placement(s) with US-based non-profit(s); take part in workshops focusing on discerning one’s own values, goal setting, & developing creativity & confidence; hear from inspirational global change-makers, develop leadership abilities through a facilitated course, and form friendships with gap year students from around the world.

Learning to build community is one of the key takeaways I hope for students in their gap year experience, and one many of us have been desperately craving since the pandemic began. I’ve been impressed and inspired by student’s abilities to connect with peers in meaningful ways through virtual programs. One of my clients has taken part in book clubs, volunteered as an English teacher (virtually), and organized a virtual Halloween party with her cohort of gap year peers.

Many virtual gap year options are part-time, so students can combine a virtual program with other experiences, such as part-time work, volunteering, or an internship. A virtual gap program offers both social connection with other gap year peers, as well as, necessary structure and support from program mentors. Students can build around the virtual gap program to fill the remainder of their gap time with in-person experiences that align with their overall gap year goals.

While a virtual gap year program might not be the right fit for every student, they are an affordable, flexible option for students seeking connection and support during their gap time.

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Domestic Gap Programs

Traditionally I’ve had very few students interested in a domestic gap experience, (despite my repeating how many WONDERFUL places there are to explore right here in the United States). As we all know, 2020 is not a traditional year. In addition to new virtual gap options, I’ve also seen many trusted providers pivot their focus to offer more domestic options, or offer domestic programming for the first time. Several providers that previously served only high school or college students developed gap programs to meet the increased demand for in-person alternatives to virtual college classes. It has been a busy season learning about all of these new and exciting gap year options!

In-person domestic experiences range from: residence based programs where students live together in a small pod and learn about a specific theme through hands-on experiences (ie. sustainable agriculture in NC or climate justice in OR); programs that involve some wilderness exploration while also focusing on topics such as culture and society along the Southern border or sustainability in Colorado or Hawaii; programs that are primarily wilderness based and focus on developing technical skills, such as, rock climbing, skiing, or backcountry backpacking; as well as, programs that are more travel focused and wilderness-lite where groups explores a region of the U.S. on a road trip visiting National Parks, having adventures with peers while supported by program leaders and developing new skills such as SCUBA certification and campfire cooking.

Many of these new domestic gap options involve some degree of wilderness experience. Some students hesitate at first when presented with a program that involves camping. I encourage students who are interested in the varied themes of a wilderness-lite gap program and committed to having an in-person experience to give it a go. The majority of 18 year olds have not spent much, if any, time in the backcountry, and providers don’t expect students to be wilderness experts. An open mind, a willingness to try new things, and occasionally get out of your comfort zone are the key prerequisites. Both while leading gap year programs overseas, as well as, this semester with my consulting clients I have heard multiple accounts from students who had never camped before, but now, as a result of their gap experience, plan to seek out more camping and wilderness experiences in the future.

Students returning from domestic in-person programs this fall report similar impacts to what I usually hear from students who travel abroad. Students had incredible fun, were challenged, learned to improve their communication skills, increased their maturity & independence, and forged meaningful relationships with their group mates and program leaders. Students and program providers have already managed to turn a challenging year into a growth-filled adventure. I look forward to continuing to support students as we deal with the challenges and adventures early 2021 may bring.

Gap Year Planning Amid COVID-19

Students who a few months ago thought they would be going away to college in the fall, are now dealing with uncertainty, with some considering the gap year option for the first time as they find themselves having to choose a college without being able to visit in person. Know that you are not alone. This experience is a powerful reminder of how interconnected and interdependent the world is. We are all experiencing the vulnerability and collective strength that comes from that interdependence.

There is no specific formula for what a gap year looks like. While a gap year this fall might look a little different than some did pre-COVID-19, there’s no reason to expect the potential benefits will change.

Moving Forward with Gap Year Planning

1) Focus on Your Gap Year Goals  

Ask yourself: Why do I want to take a gap year & What do I hope to get out of my gap year? With those goals in mind, I am working with clients to come up with at least 3 different options for each of their gap year phases (fall & spring). If one of your gap year goals is improving a foreign language, you might consider different options for language learning including different destinations for immersion experiences, as well as online learning options. This allows you to have some flexibility and adjust your plans based on what the situation is in the month or weeks before you are scheduled to launch that phase of your gap year.

2) Consider Dividing Your Gap Year Into Shorter Blocks 

By breaking your gap year into different blocks of experiences and locations, you allow yourself flexibility with your plans and don't risk having your entire gap year upended if one part of your gap year needs to be rescheduled. This also allows you some extra time to shuffle plans around, postpone, or make changes as necessary.

An example for the fall semester might look something like this:

Mid-September - Mid-October  4-week Outdoor Education Program in the U.S.  +  Mid-October - November  Online Teaching English as Foreign Language Certification Course  +  November - Mid-December  4-6 weeks of Volunteering as a Teaching Assistant in Central America.

OR

September 4-week Filmmaking Workshop + October Return home to apply to colleges & volunteer locally + November U.S. Road Trip with a friend while working on creative project to build your portfolio. December - January Work at home to save money for spring travels (ie. filmmaking internship abroad)

3) Consider Domestic Options (at least for the fall)

Maybe you were hoping to do some volunteering abroad to help people in need during your gap year. Coronavirus has highlighted the inequity that exists in our own society, as low-income families face food insecurity and children without internet access miss out on remote learning opportunities. There are likely families in your own community who could benefit from your unique skill set. You might consider tutoring younger students at your local elementary or middle school. You could volunteer at a local food bank or as a driver for meals on wheels. Check with local volunteer organizations or look on idealist.org to see if there are volunteer opportunities listed near you.

If are looking for a year-long service opportunity you might consider applying to be a fellow with CityYear. City Year is an affiliate of Americorps that recruits qualified volunteers to serve as tutors and mentors in public schools across the U.S.

Those that are passionate about conservation and the environment might seek out opportunities to volunteer with a Conservation Corps in their region. Depending on where in the country you serve, you might be involved in trail building and habitat restoration, disaster response, historic preservation, organic farming, urban forestry, or a range of other activities

If you are interested in politics, you might consider dedicating a portion of your gap year to political organizing. You could volunteer for a local candidate or work on a get out the vote campaign. Visit Election 2020 Gap Year for more ideas on ways to become politically engaged during your gap year.

4) Look for Opportunities to Earn College Credit

The coronavirus pandemic has affected many families’ financial situations, making it even more important that a gap year experience be affordable and offer excellent value. Keep in mind, if you defer your offer of admission for a gap year, most colleges will stipulate that you can not earn college credit elsewhere during your gap year. Earning college credit might only be an option if you decide to re-apply to colleges next year, rather than requesting a deferral.

One option that many students are weighing is whether to take a gap year or enroll at a local community college. Why not both? Students could choose to enroll part time at a local community college while also participating in a regular volunteer activity (tutoring, food bank, conservation work, political organizing, etc.).

Some organized gap year programs also offer the option to earn college credit outside of a classroom. A gap semester program with the option to earn a semester of college credit would allow families to get more value for their money. Imagine traveling with a group of peers, engaging in adventure activities, service, and cultural exploration while earning a semester of college credit. Students would get a semester of experiential learning with a small cohort of peers AND a semester of college credit, (often for less than at a 4 year institution). A gap year program with college credit typically costs around $10-15,000 and is sometimes eligible to be paid with a 529 college savings plan.

If a student were to choose to pursue both of these scenarios, (community college + volunteering locally in the fall & a gap year program with college credit in the spring) they might find themselves having completed a year worth of college credit during their gap year.

5) Ask About Cancellation Policies & Itinerary Changes 

Many gap year organizations have already begun creating contingency plans for the fall. Most providers have extended their refund policies, so that students can cancel without significant financial penalty up until a later date than usual. Inquire directly with any program providers about questions or concerns you might have about contingency plans they might be considering (changing itineraries, shortening trips, etc.) and specific details about cancellation and refund policies. Be sure to ask what would happen if the program is interrupted. Would refunds be issued? How much? Be sure that you fully understand the terms you are agreeing to and are comfortable with them.

Understand what travel insurance does and does not cover. Many insurance providers are not offering cancel for any reason coverage, or coverage for travel plans that are canceled or interrupted due to the pandemic (ie. flights canceled or borders closed because of COVID).

6) Remain Informed

Follow the news coming from public health experts at the Center for Disease Control and the World Health Organization. The U.S. State Department provides advice for U.S. travelers, and also allows travelers to enroll in the S.T.E.P program to receive alerts based on your travel itinerary. I recommend that ALL travelers enroll in the S.T.E.P program, whether there is an ongoing pandemic or not. Just because it might be deemed safe for Americans to travel, you want to ensure that you are not a vector for COVID-19 and unknowingly bring it to an unaffected area. Speak with your physician for advice on ways to stay healthy and avoid becoming a vector for COVID-19. You can view a comprehensive list of country specific international travel restrictions and domestic (internal) restrictions on International SOS.

7) Remain Cautiously Optimistic

This will be over, eventually. In the meantime we can all do our part to stop the spread by staying home this spring.

A gap year consultant can help find and coordinate a variety of experiences that align with your goals and budget. We find opportunities that might not be specifically marketing themselves as a “gap year program”, but align with your interests and budget, and could make a great addition to your gap year. The expertise and flexibility that a consultant offers can help families save time and money. Plus, we serve as mentors to students to help them think critically and make meaning from their gap year experience. If you’d like advice or just need assistance deciding if a gap year is right for you, you can schedule a no-obligation brainstorming call here.

I feel hopeful and cautiously optimistic about the future. I am hopeful that when this is over, with lessons of empathy, resilience and interconnectedness, we can all move forward in our lives with greater compassion, grit, and a stronger sense of community.

Susan Staley