Taking the LeapAn introduction to taking a gap year before college

Why Gap?

“Don’t worry about following your passion, follow your curiosity.” – Elizabeth Gilbert

Profiles of Potential Gap Year Students

• A student who isn’t ready to take advantage of college

• A student who wants to volunteer, intern or travel

• A precocious or energetic student that wants to see/do things before college

• A student who is young for their grade

• An academically-inclined student burnt out by school and college search process

• A student with college acceptance or financial aid issues

• A student frustrated by the traditional classroom experience

Why Now?

Gap Year students show a clear pattern of having higher G.P.A.s than traditional students, and the positive effect lasts over all four years.

[ http://thechoice.blogs.nytimes.com]

88% of Gap Year graduates report that their Gap Year significantly added to their employability. 

Advantages of aGap Year

• Break from the classroom • Independence• Personal growth• Worldliness • New Skills• Make new friends • Maturity • New Experiences

Common ConcernsParents

• Affordability• Safety• Ending up at

College

Students• Being “old”• How to choose a

program

Types of Gap Year Opportunities

• Volunteering

• Internships

• Work Exchange

• Exploring/Traveling

• Study Abroad

• Service Learning

Service Learning

Mica

Structure + Skills

VolunteeringGiving Back + Cultural Exchange

Sara In Thailand

Josh In South Africa

InterningCareer Skills + Travel

India

Study Abroad and PG

Hannah

College + Culture

TravelingIndependence + Adventure

James

Work ExchangeAffordable + Flexible

Lilly & Eli

Making It a RealityCollege

• Defer admission to your top choice school

• Financial Aid – check the next year’s packages

• If you haven’t applied, factor that into your plans

Timeline• Start research/initial ideas jr. year• Make decisions after college apps

are in senior year • Brainstorm flow of year• Think about combinations of

activities & geographic locations

Budget • Domestic vs. International• How much can be contributed?• Fundraising/working• Financial Aid• All the costs: airfare, program fees,

insurance, gear, meals etc

Your Future is Here

Questions & Answers

EnRoute Consulting, 2016, enroutegapyear.com