Summary:
A gap year is a period—usually one year—that students take off between graduating from high school and starting college. During this time, students may travel, work, volunteer, intern, pursue creative projects, or take courses to gain life experience and personal growth before beginning their university studies.
What Is a Gap Year?
A gap year is a deliberate break from formal education, typically taken after high school graduation and before college enrollment. Though most students enter college immediately after high school, taking a gap year has become increasingly popular in the U.S., especially among students who want to recharge, gain perspective, explore interests, or build skills before entering university life.
Students can structure their gap year in many different ways. Some travel abroad, volunteer with nonprofit organizations, work to save money, complete internships, study a foreign language, or develop independent projects. The experience is often self-designed, and the goal is personal, academic, or professional growth.
Why Take a Gap Year?
Students choose to take a gap year for many reasons. Some feel burned out after high school and want time to rest or reflect. Others use the time to pursue passions, develop maturity, improve their college readiness, or clarify their career goals. For international students, a gap year may offer a chance to improve English skills, adjust to cultural expectations, or gain work or service experience that strengthens their future applications.
A well-spent gap year can lead to greater motivation, focus, and confidence in college. Some studies suggest that students who take a gap year are more likely to graduate on time and perform well academically.
How Does It Affect College Admission?
Most U.S. colleges allow admitted students to defer enrollment for one year if they request permission in advance. This is known as a gap year deferral. Students must usually explain how they plan to use the year productively. Some colleges even encourage gap years and provide resources or fellowships to support them.
However, students who take a gap year without already being admitted must apply during or after the year and should be careful to stay organized and meet application deadlines.