What is a Gap Year?
Invest in yourself! Gap Years, typically taken in the year between high school and college, offer individuals with opportunities to engage in work, volunteer, and travel experiences. True Gap Years are purposeful, well-planned, and reflect a year or semester "on" rather than "off." Students interested in a taking a Gap are encouraged to talk to their school counselor about the possibility of applying to colleges and then deferring entrance to the following academic year or semester.
Experts offer 3 key ingredients to a successful Gap experience:
1) Apply to college and defer enrollment to secure a plan is place when the year is over.
2) Have a structured Gap Year plan or experiential program in place.
3) Consider having students financially invested in their plan.
The uncertainty brought on by the coronavirus pandemic has left many students wondering if entering a college program right out of high school is the best fit financially, academically, or socially/emotionally. Students are encouraged to stay as informed as possible and keep as many options open as possible. College deferral policies vary and gap year programs may be impacted by travel and social distancing restrictions. Start gathering information early to make an informed decision.
Experts offer 3 key ingredients to a successful Gap experience:
1) Apply to college and defer enrollment to secure a plan is place when the year is over.
2) Have a structured Gap Year plan or experiential program in place.
3) Consider having students financially invested in their plan.
The uncertainty brought on by the coronavirus pandemic has left many students wondering if entering a college program right out of high school is the best fit financially, academically, or socially/emotionally. Students are encouraged to stay as informed as possible and keep as many options open as possible. College deferral policies vary and gap year programs may be impacted by travel and social distancing restrictions. Start gathering information early to make an informed decision.
Gap Opportunities
SEA EDUCATION ASSOCIATION
SEA is an internationally recognized leader in field-based ocean education. Since 1971, they have educated more than 10,000 students through adventurous tall ship ocean voyages of scientific and cultural discovery, academic rigor, and personal growth.
Fall GAP Programs
- SEA will offer two programs specifically designed for gap year and winter start students. For students looking for an adventure at sea without the pressure of grades, Atlantic Odyssey is a 9-week gap program specifically tailored to students who are looking for an educational but non-credit bearing experiential opportunity. Students will join an active learning community where they'll sharpen their leadership, teamwork, and communication skills while gaining a deeper understanding of what real-life field work is all about!
- For those students who are seeking transferable credit as winter admits, or for those looking to strengthen a college application for next year, Ocean Exploration is a 12-week gap year program that offers a full semester of credit from our school of record, Boston University. This interdisciplinary program combines insights from the natural and social sciences to deepen students’ awareness of and appreciation for the ocean. Students will take their learning out of the classroom and into the field while developing new skills in leadership, teamwork, and research.
USA Gap Years Fair
http://usagapyearfairs.org
Don't miss USA Gap Year Fairs this winter! JANUARY, FEBRUARY, MARCH are months that traditionally celebrate Gap Year Fairs. These fairs provide a broad exposure to gap year options and the opportunity for face-to-face conversations with gap year organizations, experts, and alumni. Register online today to attend a fair in an area close to you.
Resources
Gap Year Association
Resource for data, accredited program listing, and more information about gap years.
USA Gap Year Fairs
Fairs across the US in Jan, Feb, March
Boost By Kaplan
Boost is taught entirely online, using a combination of live sessions, on-demand learning modules, and hands-on experiences.
Year On
Year, virtual, and semester experiences. Year On programs are comprised of multiple phases that focus on concrete habits, skills, and tools that will help you succeed in college—and life.
Go Overseas
Program Reviews and articles
Global Citizen Academy
Global Citizen Academy requires a commitment of 10-15 hours per week, intentionally leaving you time for independent exploration of issues and projects you’re passionate about or for earning income.
Parachute Bridge
Gives students a break from traditional academics to focus on their futures. Our summer, semester, and career programs teach employable skills while coaching students towards confidence in their independence.
College Data
Upsides, Downsides, Figuring it all out
Teen Life
Program Reviews and magazines
Go Abroad
Program Reviews and articles
Gap Yearly
Resource for independent planning
Travel Access Project
Scholarships and Country resources
Gap Year Exploration Month
Information and downloads
Resource for data, accredited program listing, and more information about gap years.
USA Gap Year Fairs
Fairs across the US in Jan, Feb, March
Boost By Kaplan
Boost is taught entirely online, using a combination of live sessions, on-demand learning modules, and hands-on experiences.
Year On
Year, virtual, and semester experiences. Year On programs are comprised of multiple phases that focus on concrete habits, skills, and tools that will help you succeed in college—and life.
Go Overseas
Program Reviews and articles
Global Citizen Academy
Global Citizen Academy requires a commitment of 10-15 hours per week, intentionally leaving you time for independent exploration of issues and projects you’re passionate about or for earning income.
Parachute Bridge
Gives students a break from traditional academics to focus on their futures. Our summer, semester, and career programs teach employable skills while coaching students towards confidence in their independence.
College Data
Upsides, Downsides, Figuring it all out
Teen Life
Program Reviews and magazines
Go Abroad
Program Reviews and articles
Gap Yearly
Resource for independent planning
Travel Access Project
Scholarships and Country resources
Gap Year Exploration Month
Information and downloads