“While there are many compelling reasons to take a gap year, one of the most common is the opportunity for students to explore their interests and develop a purpose for their future. Students can take a break from intense coursework and focus on enriching life experiences.
Whether they spend the year traveling, volunteering, working, or all three, students who have completed a gap year are often revitalized for their return to the academic world the following year. According to David Hawkins, director of public policy and research at the National Association for College Admission Counseling, taking a gap year
…could actually help students succeed in college,since participants may be more focused, mature, and motivated for their undergraduate experience.Many students also find that their gap year allows them to help others. For students choosing to spend the year volunteering abroad, some of the benefits include:
- Enlightening cultural exchange between the student and inhabitants of the host country
- Making a real difference in the lives of the people of developing countries
- The chance to make a positive impact on the environment”
“We want to do everything possible to help the students we enroll make the most of their opportunities, avoiding the much reported “burnout” phenomenon that can keep them from reaching their full potential. Our overall graduation rate of 98%, among the highest in the nation, is perhaps due in part to the fact that so many students take time off, before or during college.
The admissions committee encourages admitted students to defer enrollment for one year to travel, pursue a special project or activity, work, or spend time in another meaningful way – provided they do not enroll in a degree-granting program at another college. Deferrals for two years are also considered for such purposes as military or religious service or under other unique circumstances, and subject to the approval of the admissions committee.
Each year, between 90 and 130 students defer their matriculation to the College, and they report their experiences to be uniformly positive. After graduation, large numbers of Harvard students take time off before beginning work or graduate school.”
King’s College, Cambridge University:
“We welcome applications from students who take a gap year between finishing school and starting at King’s. Roughly one in ten students at Cambridge take this option, and it can be a good opportunity to develop all kinds of skills and gain work or other experience before starting your course.”
Note: taking a year out before university is not recommended for some university subjects (e.g. Mathematics at Cambridge University), please check the Admissions pages for your target universities and subjects if you are considering taking one.
With OTW, you can get the benefits of travelling independently without committing to taking a full year out, as all our trips are designed to fit within the school and university holidays.