Gap Year

Maybe you're tired of the academic grind. Maybe you're not sure why you're going to college or what you'll do when you get there. Maybe you yearn to explore far-away places or a dig deeper into a career that interests you. If this sounds like you, perhaps now is the time to consider taking a gap year between high school and college.

While there is significant peer pressure, parental pressure and school pressure to go right on to college, the adventurous few who take time off are richly rewarded,  states the executive director of Dynamy Internship Year (MA). Taking time off before college gives you the gift of time to learn about two essential things: yourself and the world around you. Of course, if your time off consists of nothing but watching soap operas and eating potato chips, all you'll have at the end is a wasted year. But with research and planning, you can design a semester or year that is both a great learning experience and a lot of fun.

There are thousands of options for time off, as well as infinite combinations of activities. Some students participate in year-long programs. Others may combine two or more short-term programs, or plan a trip on their own or with friends. Here are some common ways to spend your time off:

Travel: Many organizations offer programs with an emphasis on traveling or living abroad. Or, you may wish to plan your own adventure.