The idea of choosing to take a year off between your high school graduation and start of college is an idea that’s gaining some traction.  As recently as 2005 the practice was viewed highly skeptically by many schools, guidance counselors, and parents.  However, the number of families that select this option is growing.  This may be due to several factors which include greater flexibility towards educational choices because of the experience with COVID, increased growth of distance learning where being on campus is no longer vital, and a general rethink in our society of the meaning of the college experience.

What’s important is for students and their families to understand is that deciding in favor of a GAP year.. Is an important decision which must be made on an individual basis with the involvement of the student, their family, and trusted education professionals. A GAP year experience might be a good idea for a student if the benefits outweigh the costs of delaying college admissions for twelve months.

Benefits might include:

• Building up your resume to be a more attractive candidate for certain colleges that are highly competitive

• Acquiring new skills such as coding, data analysis, math, statistics, or any specialized knowledge in a field of great interest

• Working part-time or full-time to save more money that can be used to pay for college tuition, room and board, and other related expenses

• Traveling purposefully either in an organized group, a community service civic engagement volunteer activity, or developing an entrepreneurial idea

Costs to be considered are:

• Sending the wrong signal to schools about your commitment to your college education

• Wasting a year with unplanned activities and day to day living which does not suggest any extra benefit for the future

• Becoming distracted from your commitment to attend college due to other priorities

• Developing a mindset where it is difficult to return to the discipline and routines needed to be successful as a student

At Omnia Pathways, we provide advice and counseling about GAP year plans that are customized for your own needs and interests.  No two people are the same and if you select a GAP year it should be something that creates individual growth and leaves you in a stronger position to begin college 12 months later. For most people, going through life only with a high school diploma is not a viable option in our society today.

Your professional OMNIA consultant will cover important questions with you to help you decide whether to opt for a GAP year and if you do, how to plan it to your advantage.  These include:

1. What are your reasons for wanting to take a GAP year?  Do you have any specific plans for special activities that you would get involved with during that time?

2. Do you want to apply to colleges as a high school senior and then defer admissions for the GAP year?  Or do you want to begin the college application process during your GAP year?

3. What will be the financial impact of your decision?  Will it affect your financial aid?  How might your families’ finances change over that year which would impact your investment in your college education?

4. Will you take any classes for college credit at a local 2 year or 4-year school during this time?  Which ones are likely to transfer over to the college that you will attend?  Even several courses may save thousands of dollars of tuition.

5. Will you be participating in any organized GAP Year Programs?  Hundreds of these programs exist in all sorts of areas that allow you to learn, experience, and socialize to acquire key skills and explore interests over this period?  Which of these programs will be right for you?

6. Will you be participating in any community activities or civic engagement projects that reflect your beliefs, interests, or concerns?

7. If you will be working, what type of job will you be doing and what skills will it help you to develop for your future career?

8. Have you considered the fact that most of your friends and classmates will already be away at college and that may mean a diminishing of your social network and recreational activities?

9. Have you built family support for your decision and will your family be an ally in helping you to engage with your GAP Year plan?

10. Do you have a back-up plan if one or more of your planned activities does not work out?

We are excited to help you mange a GAP Year so that you continue making progress with your achievements and future academic and professional success! Please see our Services for more information and schedule a Free Consultation.