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Gap years have long been popular in other countries, but they’re gaining popularity in the U.S. as well. While gap years have a lot of benefits, there can be disadvantages. This blog serves as a guide for how and when to take a gap year with the maximum personal benefit and minimal drawbacks.

Understanding Gap Years

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What is a Gap Year

A gap year is a period that a student takes off from formal education, usually starting the summer after 12th grade and continuing until September of the following year. While it is most commonly taken between the last year of high school and the first year of college, it is becoming increasingly popular to take a gap year during undergraduate education. It is also rising in popularity for students intending to pursue a career in medicine to take a year between finishing undergraduate and moving on to medical school.

Types of Gap Years

As mentioned above, gap years can take many forms. In Europe, it’s very popular to take a gap year between high school and university. This type of gap year is gaining in popularity in the United States but has typically been discouraged. Educators have long held that if you fail to apply to college and attend right away that you will likely never go back, but the data does not support this. When taking a gap year between high school and college, students have two options: apply to college their senior year and request to defer their admission for a year, or wait to apply until the fall of their gap year. We go into the pros and cons of both options below.

A second type of gap year is one taken during undergraduate studies. These years are sometimes referred to as a “leave of absence” by universities and they require approval from the university to hold your spot.

A third type of gap year is one taken between undergraduate and graduate studies. These gap years are perhaps the most common as many students find themselves needing a mental break from study before going into the even more rigorous expectations of graduate and PhD programs. It is also not uncommon for students to wish to bolster their applications with further experience or education, or simply have more time to prepare for entrance exams like the MCAT.

When to Take a Gap Year

Choosing when - and if - to take a gap year is a very personal decision. Sometimes gap years are necessitated by health, family, or financial struggles. Other times students have a specific intention for their gap year, such as travel or service. And sometimes they just know they need a break! Whatever the reason, it’s important to carefully consider the decision and, if necessary, work with your university to make it happen. For those looking to defer their college admission or take a gap year after starting courses, you’ll need your college to sign off in order to reserve your spot. Do your research and submit the proper documentation so that your education can continue smoothly after your gap year.

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

There’s no one right answer to this question. Gap years can be very beneficial, but they also aren’t necessary, and many students find it easier to go straight into undergraduate studies. When determining whether or not to take a gap year, get clear on your personal circumstances and hopes for the future. It’s also best to determine the right time for you to apply to college, which we go into more below, before moving ahead with a gap year.

Whenever possible, there needs to be a clear plan for your gap year. Sometimes life circumstances outside a student’s control necessitate a gap year. But for students considering a gap year to pursue a passion project, travel, gain more hands-on experience, etc, a solid plan will ensure it helps, rather than hinders, your college admissions process.

What are the disadvantages of a gap year?

Taking a gap year can make some students feel behind. If you take the year between high school and college, you’ll likely be a year older than the other first year students. While this is not a problem for many people, for some students they start college “feeling behind”. Some students also find the transition back to school more difficult after a break. That being said, 90% of students go to college after taking a gap year, so this is not a concern for most individuals.

Gap years can also be expensive and require extensive planning. If you want to use your gap year to travel or complete a volunteer program, you'll need the funds to do so. And in the case of volunteer programs, you may need to apply and be accepted.

Lastly, going into a gap year without a clear plan can negatively impact your chances of admission to top tier universities. If you plan to apply during your senior year and defer, the school will want to know your plan before granting that request. If you plan to apply during your gap year, you’ll want to be able to clearly articulate your plan for the year and what you intend to gain from it.

Gap Years and College Admissions

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One of the biggest logistical concerns of a traditional gap year (between high school and college) is around college admissions. You have the choice of applying for college as a high school senior and requesting to defer enrollment once you’ve committed to a school, or waiting to apply during your gap year.

Should I apply to college as a senior and defer or wait to apply to college during my gap year?

When Deferral Makes More Sense:

• If you want to ensure a spot at a specific college. If you already have a dream school and get accepted, requesting a deferral can give you peace of mind and allow you to focus on your gap year without the stress of reapplying.
• If your gap year plan is already clear. Many schools require you to have a structured plan for your gap year if you request a deferral. Having a clear plan makes it easier to secure a deferral.

When Applying During the Gap Year Makes More Sense:

• If your application could benefit from additional experiences. For example, if your grades, test scores, or extracurricular involvement are slightly lacking, a well-executed gap year could significantly enhance your profile.
• If you want more time to explore academic or career paths. Applying during a gap year allows for deeper reflection on your long-term goals and interests, which can lead to a more focused and mature application​​.

How to Apply to College After a Gap Year

Applying to college after taking a gap year involves several important steps, many of which resemble the regular college application process, but there are a few specific considerations:

1. Update Your Narrative: After a gap year, it's essential to explain how you've used your time productively and how it fits into your overall academic and personal goals. Many students use gap years to work, travel, volunteer, or engage in projects related to their intended major. When you apply, you need to integrate these experiences into your application narrative to demonstrate how they have prepared you for college​​​.
2. Address the Gap Year in Your Essays: Some colleges may ask you directly to explain what you did during your gap year. Even if they don't, it's wise to mention this in your essays, especially the personal statement or supplemental essays, to highlight your personal growth, maturity, and dedication​​.
3. Revisit Your College List: After a gap year, you might have different preferences or priorities. It's a good time to reassess which colleges align with your updated goals and experiences. Be strategic about how your gap year experiences enhance your application for each specific school​​.
4. Reconnect with High School Recommenders: Since you've been out of school, it's important to reconnect with teachers or counselors who will write your letters of recommendation. Make sure they are aware of what you've done during your gap year and how it's strengthened your college application​.
5. Standardized Tests: If your SAT or ACT scores are older than a year, some schools might ask you to retake them. However, this depends on the policies of each college​.
6. Application Timing and Deadlines: Depending on whether you are reapplying to schools or applying to new ones, you may need to check whether any college application deadlines have changed or if additional documents are required​.

Keep in mind that applying “after” your gap year actually means applying during your gap year. For this reason you’ll want a clear plan of action for how you’ll use your time and what you plan to get out of the gap year so that you can speak to that plan in your application and share where you are in the journey/experience. Applying during your gap year means building a strong, cohesive narrative that connects your experiences during the gap with your future academic plans. Keep your application strategic and clear, reflecting how your gap year has made/will make you a better candidate.

Is it harder to get into college if you take a gap year?

It can be, but it doesn’t have to be if you plan correctly. There are two main concerns: cost and narrative. Both can be mitigated by a well-planned, strategic gap year.

Cost

One of the biggest challenges that gap year students face is paying for college. Without a clear plan for their gap year, it’s not uncommon for students to inadvertently hurt themselves by taking credits through a local or community college. While they expect this to help them, it instead forces them to apply as a transfer student, rather than a first year student, at many institutions, and thus makes them ineligible for many of the best scholarships and financial aid opportunities. For this reason, it’s often better to either a) apply as a senior in high school, commit to a school, and request a deferral; or b) take no formal educational credits during your gap year so that you can apply as a first year student after the fact.

Narrative

As we’ve mentioned in several of our other college admissions blogs, a cohesive narrative is central to a good college application. You want to be able to leverage your experiences (or planned experiences) in your application. This requires a plan. Where gap years make it harder to get into college is when there was no clear reason or intention for the year. This can result in an application that feels incomplete or lacks the compelling story that colleges seek, as your overall ethos might seem aimless​​. Without clear engagement, the student may struggle to create a cohesive narrative that explains how the gap year has contributed to their personal or academic development.

What is the difference between a gap year and a transfer?

A gap year is when a student takes intentional time off from formal education. In contrast, a transfer student is one who begins their formal education at one institution and applies to transfer their educational credits to another institution and complete their degree at the second school. This is most typical for students who begin at a local or community college and transfer to a larger institution, but can also include members of the military with some college education and students who find their first school a poor fit.

Will colleges still accept me if I take a gap year?

Yes, colleges will accept you with a gap year. However it’s important to find out how a gap year will impact your scholarship opportunities and to ensure that you’ve used the gap year wisely so that you can speak to your experience in your application. If the gap year was involuntary, such as for health, family or financial reasons, you’ll likely still want to address that in your application in the supplemental section or personal statement, even if it does not alter the fundamental narrative (ethos) of your application. Be strategic in how you talk about your gap year to ensure your application shows personal or academic growth to build the strongest application.

What to Do During a Gap Year

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A clear plan or reason for taking a gap year is the key to its success. If you’re thinking about a gap year, here are some options to consider.

Take Time Off

Needing time off for mental health or burnout are perfectly acceptable reasons for taking a gap year. Mental health is increasingly recognized as a vital aspect of a student’s well-being, and colleges are supportive of students who demonstrate maturity, resilience, and self-care.

If you’re applying to college for the first time during your gap year, you’ll want to frame the experience in a positive light. Similarly, if you’re requesting a deferral or leave of absence, your request for time off will need to be well laid out to be approved. College admissions expert John Morganelli, Jr., recommends six ways to do so:

• Highlight Self-Care and Maturity
• Emphasize Personal Growth and Reflection
• Connect Mental Health Journey to Future Academic Success
• Focus on What Was Learned or Achieved
• Be Honest but Positive
• Frame the Experience as Part of a Larger Journey

By framing the gap year as a period of intentional self-care, personal growth, and preparation for future success, students can present it as a valuable and formative experience.

Gain Experience

A gap year offers an excellent opportunity for students to gain experience and strengthen their college applications. By using the year strategically, students can build skills, deepen their interests, and enhance their application narrative. Here are several productive ways to make the most of a gap year:

• Pursue an Internship or Work Experience
• Engage in Research or Independent Projects
• Volunteer or Do Community Service
• Travel with a Purpose (more on that below)
• Take Courses or Certifications
• Pursue Creative Projects

Travel

Travel is a great way to make use of a gap year. Traveling can be more than a break; it can be an enriching experience if done with a clear purpose. This could involve participating in study abroad programs, language immersion experiences, or volunteering in other countries. Travel experiences can broaden a student’s perspective and foster a deeper understanding of global issues, which can be integrated into their college application​.For example:

• Cultural Studies: Spending time in another country learning a language or working with a local nonprofit.
• Environmental Studies: Joining an environmental protection project abroad, such as wildlife conservation.

Explore Other Interests

Gap years are an excellent time to develop a passion project, creative endeavor, or business plan. Students interested in the arts can use the gap year to build a portfolio, write a book, make a film, or create a series of artworks. If a student has a business idea or wants to develop entrepreneurial skills, a gap year can be the perfect time to explore this. Whether starting a small business, launching a nonprofit, or developing an app, entrepreneurship demonstrates initiative, leadership, and creativity​. If your interests are more academic, consider using your gap year for a research project.

There are many ways to complete a gap year. The best way is the one that takes your needs and interests into consideration, and - most importantly - is planned. Having a clear plan in place allows you to leverage the experience for your future academic goals and avoids looking aimless when it comes time to apply. If you’re considering a gap year and would like expert help in determining when to do it and how to do it, consider working with one of our college admissions experts to make the perfect plan for your goals.