Misconception: The gapper will never return to school. Reality: After completing a gap year, most students have a clearer vision of what career path they want to follow. Some students will choose not to attend college, which may be the best decision for them. Misconception: You’ll forget how to study. Reality: Being away from school for just one year will not cause you to forget how to study. Taking time off can lead to more focus and a renewed interest in learning. Misconception: A gap year is just a way to avoid real life. Reality: Actually, the opposite is true. Gappers usually travel without their parents, volunteer or work to support themselves. So not only are gappers exploring themselves and the world, they’re gaining life skills as well.

Typically, students take a year off between high school graduation and starting college to participate in a gap year. Gap years are ideal for a wide range of people. Whether you're interested in travel, want to engage in self-discovery, feel you're not ready for college, etc., gap year might be an option for you to consider.

Common Misconceptions

A gap year is a period of time (anywhere from several weeks to a year or more) whereby a young person, typically 18-27, takes a break from traditional classroom education to explore his/her personal interests, passions, or career

aspirations by engaging in volunteer work, international travel, internships, educational, and cultural exchange.

Gap Year Post Secondary Planning April 2014

• www.usagapyearfairs.org/programs

• www.andover.edu/academics/collegecounseling/gapyear/pages/designyourownyearoff.aspx

• www.nextstepu.com/gap-year.cat

• www.gapwork.com

• www.oneworldcenter.org

• www.gapyear.com

• www.nascc.org

Websites to Explore

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Travel

Many organizations offer programs with an emphasis on traveling or living abroad. You can also plan your own adventure!

Volunteer Work

U.S. and international volunteer programs are available through many established and credible programs. Whether you're interested in building houses, working with children, or participating in environment projects, you can find a volunteer opportunity for you.

Types of Gap years Visit w

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.forlifeafterhighschool.weebly.com

For M

ore Information

If you decide that the gap year option is for you, congratulations on your future adventure! Before you leave for your adventure, it is important that you apply for colleges. You should participate in the normal college application process your senior year. Why? you ask. Well...

• You have easy access to your school counselor and resources while still in high school

• It may be difficult to fill out applications or get teacher recommendations if you're doing turtle conservation near the ocean. Plus, do you really want to shift your focus and time away from your awesome adventures?

• It may help convince your parents that you really will go to college after you complete your gap year.

• Colleges often let you defer your acceptance for a year. This means you can apply, get accepted, and wait until the following year to attend.

Academics

You have the option to improve your academic resume with postgraduate work. If you didn't get into the college you want or don't feel academically ready for college, participating in an academic program may be beneficial to you.

Work/Internships

A job can help you earn money for college and give you valuable work experience. Internships allow you to explore a career field of interest to you. It may solidify your career choice or change the direction of your career interests.

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