Is it hard to go to college after a gap year?

Nope! Don't be afraid of a gap year. A gap year will just be another year that factors into your admissions decision. Just like the rest of your educational career, if you do your best and look for opportunities to impress, it will improve your application.

Is it easier to get into college after a gap year?

A gap year done right can bring insight and maturity. It can add valuable credits to your resume and make you a more alluring candidate to admission counselors. More and more students fresh out of high school who have taken a gap year, apply to college afterward instead.

How many people actually go to college after a gap year?

While parents may be concerned that a gap year may decrease their child's academic momentum, research shows that around 90% of gap year participants attend college within a year of their break.

Is a gap year bad for college?

After twelve years of schooling, it's normal and even healthy to delay college and take some time away from your academic career to rest up and recharge. And, while a gap year will delay your college experience by a year, it will also boost your college performance and future career.

Do all colleges accept gap year?

While it's rare for colleges to deny a gap year request, it's common for them to want more information about why the student is taking a gap year, and they may require paperwork, Paparella says. Some schools have policies for how students can take their gap year.

3 Reasons You Shouldn't Take A Gap Year

What are the cons of taking a gap year?

Is it better to take a gap year or go straight to college?

The clarity earned by taking a gap year before college can positively affect your academic performance. Research shows that those who take a gap year are more likely to graduate in four or fewer years compared to the national average of six years.

Does taking a gap year look bad?

A gap year looks bad on your college and job applications.

You'll walk away from your experience with countless stories for your personal essays and to tell in interviews. You'll also learn hard and soft skills that will help you succeed in school and in the workforce.

Are gap years looked down upon?

Hi there! Taking a gap year is not generally frowned upon by colleges. In fact, many colleges encourage students to take a gap year if they have a well-structured plan or purpose for it.

Does taking a gap year affect financial aid?

Taking a gap year before college does not affect your ability to apply for financial aid in the future. You'll still be eligible to apply for federal student loans from the US government or private loans from companies like Sallie Mae.

Who benefits from a gap year?

Gap years can be especially valuable for: Recent high school graduates who are undecided about their college major or career path. A gap year allows young people to gain life experiences, explore different fields, and reflect on their interests and passions before committing to a specific academic or career track.

How long is too long for a gap year?

It is important to note that a gap “year” can be as long or as short as you want it to be. Some people may take a gap year that is only 2-weeks-long, while other people may opt for a semester-long or year-long program. A gap year is completely customizable and unique to you.

What are the benefits of taking a gap year in college?

Pro: A gap year can help inform your next step

By delaying the graduation process, students will have more time to think about what they want to do career-wise, and a gap year can provide students with real-world experiences that form connections between classroom studies and the professional world.

How do you apply to college if you took a gap year?

Same as you would if you were just graduating high school. Go to the college of your interest's website and follow the instructions under the “apply” tab. You'll have to contact your old high school for transcripts and letters of recommendation and dig up your old SAT scores (and probably pay a fee for sending these).

How do I get my high school transcripts after a gap year?

To obtain a transcript from a California public school, you will need to contact the school directly. If the school is closed, we suggest contacting the local school district or the County Office of Education for assistance. Contact information for these entities may be obtained from the California School Directory.

How do I reapply for college after a gap year?

Students reapplying after a gap year may need to contact their high school counselor to obtain their transcript and perhaps new letters of recommendation. Avoid submitting a replica of the application that was initially rejected, experts say. Some schools may ask if an applicant has previously applied there.

What percentage of students go to college in a gap year?

Amazing Fact #3: 60% of gap year students said that a year out helped them decide their major and realize their future career direction. Amazing Fact #4: 90% of students who take a gap year return to college within a year.

Where are gap years most popular?

Is it bad to take a gap year after high school?

Gap years can actually reignite your desire to learn. Over 80% of GYA respondents felt that taking a break improved their motivation to pursue higher education, and 78% said that their experiences influenced their choice of study.

What is the best age to take a gap year?

Generally speaking, 18 is the youngest age most people would take a gap year. However, that's not the only rule. In some instances, someone might take a year abroad during high school or 6th form. It's not very common, but it does happen and this could be between the age of 16-18.

Why you shouldn't take a gap year before college?

“One of the biggest negatives is lost earning potential,” Weyhaupt said. “Delaying even one year of increased wages from having a college degree will have a cumulative effect over your lifetime.” Students who decide to take a gap year could also lose academic momentum.

What is the best year to take a gap year?

Before College

This is a great time to take a gap year if you've just graduated from high school and already feel burned out academically. Many students spend so much energy worrying about succeeding in high school that going to college can feel daunting.

What is gap year stigma?

Gap years are not an established tradition, and there is stigma around not going into the workforce or on to university directly after high school. Why it's a bad reason: Going against the norm in this case will be highly rewarding.

Is it bad to take a gap year before grad school?

While you don't want to lose too much momentum, for some a gap year can be a welcome opportunity to clarify their career goals and eventually return to their studies refreshed. A new environment and perspective can go a long way in helping you to discover new skills and gain valuable life experiences.

What three questions should you ask yourself before taking a gap year?

What do you plan to do with your gap year? Would you use your gap year to work, or to rest? Would you prefer to stay home or travel? Figure out how you'd most like to spend your time off school, and start making a plan.