The Gap Year...Part Two (series)

WHO SHOULD CONSIDER THE GAP YEAR There are generally three groups of high school students for whom the Gap Year makes the most sense. First, the Gap Year may be a worthy alternative for students who have worked incredibly hard during high school, but need to take a year off to avoid what is called “burn out.” These students tend to have a fantastic academic, as well as extra-curricular, record, and although still performing at an amplified level and often beyond outside expectations, are no longer happy in the learning process nor healthily engaged in activities. On the opposite end of the scholastic spectrum, this option may also be valuable for students who have perhaps faced issues in high school or who have not lived up to their expected potential. Although this is not the true meaning of a Gap Year, this additional year can be used to take college courses at a local community college where the student can prove that they are capable of handling a collegiate education. This year of focused dedication and improved grades often goes a long way toward convincing college admission representatives at four year colleges and universities that there is a capability to handle college work despite a lacking high school performance. Finally, the third group who might explore the Gap Year option is those students that simply have not taken the requisite time to determine what they want from a college experience. These students tend to have started the college search behind schedule, and although they might be able to find a suitable college or university late in the admission cycle, they have not allowed time to find the best fit college that meets all of their needs and wants. In this scenario, the Gap Year allows extra time to fully investigate the most appropriate higher education option. Although certainly not every student who exercises the Gap Year fits neatly into these three categories, most students who take the year do fit comfortably into one of the classifications. No matter the reason, once the Gap Year option is decided upon, how that Gap Year will be spent is the next imperative choice.