More on Gap Years

With today’s economy, I am being asked more than usual, what I think about “Gap Years”.  For parents who are hearing this term for the first time, a gap year is taking a year off before continuing school or looking for a job.   So both graduates of High School and graduates of college are taking gap years.
Gap years have been common practice in Europe and Australia.  As I have lived and traveled all over the world, I often run into young people taking a gap year.  It is an amazing life experience if it is used for just that, an experience.
After high school, a gap year allows the new graduate time for maturity.  Some kids know exactly what they want to do and they are eager to get on with it.  For them, it is best to go with this enthusiasm and start their college experience.  The kiddo that does not know what they want to do, has no clear direction or interest, may find some answers during this time.
As I have previously blogged, schools like Princeton and Harvard are encouraging gap years.  They even have a specific program that admits students and holds their place while they spend a year performing a public service.  What the student gains is a maturity and a vision of a bigger world.
Getting accepted to college is just the beginning of a journey.  We want to get our kids across that finish line called college graduation and according to the College Board 30% of the Freshman will not return for their sophomore year.  It is all about being ready for college and also wanting to be there.
So, for some students who aren’t quite ready for college, taking a year off, may give them the time they need to mature, make some money, travel and experience something outside their community.  This is a good thing.  It allows everyone to have more time to be prepared and to get their finances in order.
With the price of tuition and college expenses, why take the gamble when you know your student is not ready.  It is a good option.  Discuss this with your graduate because a gap year needs to be a productive year.  Ask your student to come up with a plan and then sit down and discuss it.