Although the typical route to college involves attending soon after you finish high school, an alternative is to take a gap year. This is becoming increasingly popular with students who want to pursue other opportunities before they complete their education.
How to Use a Gap Year
It’s up to you what you do during your gap year. Students often like to find structured activities and sign up for programs abroad where they can learn skills or volunteer for a cause that matters to them. It’s also possible to spend the year working (to earn money to fund your education) or to gain some college credit while participating in other activities (to avoid pushing your graduation date back too far). Finally, you may decide to take a gap year if you’re unsure what career to pursue and would like to explore your options before you choose your major.
When to Apply for College
Even when you want to take a gap year, it’s best to apply to college while you’re still at high school. This means you’ll have the support of counselors and teachers, who can guide you through the process. There’s no need to mention you want to take a gap year when applying to colleges. In fact, sharing this information could hurt your chances of being admitted to a school. Besides, waiting to announce your plans gives you the opportunity to change your mind.
Before the semester starts, though, you will need to talk to the admissions officer at your college about deferring your enrollment. You may need to provide paperwork detailing how you’ll be using your gap year. Plus, you may need to contact your college halfway through the year to confirm you still wish to attend in the fall.
Alternatives to the Standard Gap Year
As the name suggests, a gap year usually lasts one calendar year: from around the time you graduate high school until you start college the following year. However, it can be more flexible than this. For instance, it could last just one semester (this may be more suitable if you find a program that lasts only a few months or if you can’t afford to travel the entire year and would prefer to start college than to work). In addition, you can take a gap year in the middle of your time at college, such as if you feel like you need to take a break.
Have a Reason for Your Gap Year
It’s best to have a specific reason to take a gap year. For instance, college is a big step up from high school, which can be intimidating to some students. Taking a gap year to build your confidence is a great idea, whereas using it just to put off starting college until later may not be ideal.
Taking a gap year also gives you the time to figure out your college plans. For example, you can use the chance to search for a better place to live than dorms. You can find Fleming College housing at Severn Court. You’ll have your own room in a six-bedroom apartment located right across the street from campus. There are flexible leasing options, no meal plans, and onsite laundry facilities. Apply now to line up your housing for when you return from your gap year.
