Gap year pros and cons

If you’re reading this, we assume you’ve heard the phrase “gap year” before, but might be a bit unsure what exactly it means, or maybe what the benefits are of taking a gap year. Or maybe you’re looking for help with how to plan out a gap year, or whether a gap year is the best choice for you.

This guide is here to help answer these questions! 

We’ll walk you through:

• What a gap year is

• Pros and cons of taking a gap year

• If you should apply to college before or after

• Defining your gap year goals

• Questions to consider

• Planning out your gap year

• Final thoughts

We even have a Downloadable Guide with exercises to help you define your gap year goals, research programs, and develop a timeline. 

What is a gap year?

A gap year is a period of experiential learning, usually taken between high school and college.

And to clarify, a “gap year” doesn’t actually have to be a year—maybe you take one full semester off before enrolling in college, for example. Gap years can take many forms—travel, internships, volunteer work, paid work, or classes for colle

when do you take a gap year

when do you take a gap year uk