A gap year can help you gain maturity, build new skills, and gain real-world experience. Here’s how it works and who it’s best suited for.
You’ve worked hard to earn your diploma or degree and are looking ahead to what comes next. Before taking that next step, you may want to consider a gap year, or taking a year off. While gap years are common in Europe, they’ve become increasingly popular in the U.S., especially given the uncertainty many students face due to COVID-19.
What Is a Gap Year?
As the name implies, a gap year is a break between phases of education, though it can also be taken between graduating and entering the workforce.
Typically, a gap year is used to travel, volunteer, work, or focus on personal development and skill-building. Most people take a gap year during major transitions, such as between high school and college or between undergraduate and graduate school.
Gap Year vs. Stopout: What’s the Difference?
A gap year is a planned break taken between educational stages. A stopout, on the other hand, is an unplanned or mid-program pause during an academic year. Stopouts can create complications, including:
- You may need to reapply to your college after taking time off
- Your student loan grace period may begin early, causing payments to come due sooner than expected
If you’re considering a gap year or a stopout, it’s important to talk to your loan provider and any scholarship organizations you rely on. Some students may lose access to scholarships or grants, especially from larger institutions. Smaller organizations may allow gap years under certain conditions, but many have strict no-deferral policies.
Reasons to Consider a Gap Year
Given ongoing uncertainty and the shift toward online learning, more students are choosing to take a gap year. For some, it’s a way to avoid paying full tuition for a reduced college experience. For others, it’s a chance to regroup, grow, and gain clarity before committing to the next step.
Common reasons students consider a gap year include:
- Recovering from burnout – Academic pressure, combined with the stress of the pandemic, has left many students exhausted. A gap year can provide time to reset while exploring interests in a practical way.
- Building skills and experience – Whether through work, volunteering, or structured programs, a gap year can strengthen your resume and demonstrate maturity, which may improve future college or job prospects.
- Gaining independence – The traditional path isn’t right for everyone. A gap year can help you step away from peer pressure, develop independence, and make more intentional decisions about your future.
If COVID-19 has made you question your educational plans or you’re simply feeling burned out, talk with academic advisors and financial aid offices about your options. When structured properly through an approved gap year program, some students may even earn college credit or improve their admissions prospects by returning with greater focus and experience.
Teaser: A gap year can make you more mature, increase your skills, and provide invaluable experiences. Find out how it works and who qualifies.
