Gap Year Options
A gap year can be a healthy and productive step in the educational process for students who wish to explore interests or develop personally between graduating from high school and attending college. It’s a time to find and explore passions, experience the world, and take a break from traditional education. Often times, students emerge from a gap year more independent, mature, focused, and self-confident.
The SHS Counseling Department typically recommends that students considering a gap year still go through the college application process. Once accepted to college(s), students can request to defer matriculation for one year. Generally, colleges are receptive to the idea of planned, structured gap year experiences, but it is critical for the student to check with each institution about their own specific policy.
Gap year experiences can include work, internships, service, travel, language immersion, conservation, the arts, and skill development and training. Gap year programs vary greatly in terms of their aims, emphasis, location, and cost. Below is a list of some of the more popular gap year programs and databases.
Below is a list of gap year resources and search platforms that may be helpful for students and families interested in pursuing this option.