With increasing frequency, we are fielding questions from parents about the idea of having their children take a “gap year.” Sometimes, the parent is seeking validation for the decision to have her son take a year off post-high school. Other times, a parent is seeking information on how colleges view the notion.

Philosophically speaking, it’s important to remember that our educational system is highly regimented, with a certain number of credits required within particular subject matters and certain minimum test scores needed to ensure a basic threshold of mastery. If these requirements are met, a student moves along the educational conveyor belt.

What our educational system fails to understand is that different students develop at different rates within their age-group cohort. When we see students drop out of college freshman year, transfer to different colleges, or take an unplanned year off, it is rarely because of academic struggles. More often, it is because a student hasn’t matured to the point where he or she is able to handle the rigors of university life without the guidance he or she was used to in high school and the comfort and support of his or her family at home.

We strongly believe that the interests of our students are not always aligned with the educational system’s conveyor belt. And, it’s important for parents, educators, and other stakeholders to not only intellectually stimulate students but also to support their needs to grow both socially and emotionally.

So, to keep our advice simple: When in doubt, take a year off!

College should not be entered with reservation and anxiety. It should be entered with excitement and curiosity. Unfortunately, college campuses are chock full of students who don’t know who they are let alone what they are passionate about academically, resulting in many students who quit early with little to show for their time, effort, and money.

What we have found is that colleges value the additional maturity and perspective that students have when entering college after taking a “gap year.” In many respects, it’s impossible to imagine an admissions officer who wouldn’t welcome a student who has taken a year off to grow socially and emotionally and now has a broader range of experience and added perspective on life.

So, how should you go about taking a “gap year?” There are only two options: 1) Inform a college when you apply for admission of your intent to take a “gap year”; or, 2) Apply for admission and upon acceptance request enrollment deferral for one year. We strongly recommend the second option because there is no upside to making your intention to take a gap year part of your application and, thus, the admission decision. It’s also much easier to complete the college application process while still in high school. Trying to do so after nine months off will put you at a disadvantage as you no longer have access to the educators who can provide letters of recommendation and the support staff of school administrators.

If you’d like to discuss the particulars of your child’s situation, please call our team at (720) 605-6622 or contact us via email at info@mosereducational.com. Every situation is different, so let’s chat about yours. We pride ourselves on being an educational resource to our community and welcome your questions!