Considering a Year Between High School and College?
Have you thought—even briefly—about taking time between high school and college? Maybe you're feeling burned out, uncertain about your direction, or just eager for a change of pace. A year away from the classroom can offer time to explore the world, gain life experience, and return to your education with fresh purpose.
Taking an “alternative year” (also called a gap year) is increasingly common. Many students apply to college, secure admission, then defer enrollment for a year. Colleges are familiar with this option, and many even encourage it.
Today, few students complete college in exactly four years. So the real question is: when will you take time away from school—before college or during?
Why Take a Gap Year?
Some of the most meaningful growth happens outside the classroom. Think back on high school—did your biggest gains in confidence and maturity come from academics or real-life experiences? For many people, it's the latter. A year away offers the chance to discover new interests, build skills, and develop a stronger sense of self, all of which can make college more rewarding.
Make a Plan
A successful alternative year starts with thoughtful planning:
- Resources: The links and tools on this page can help you explore jobs, internships, volunteer roles, and programs around the world. They're just a starting point, as you'll find many more resources through further research.
- Time: You might have up to 15 months to work with, from the summer after graduation to the fall of the following year. You can combine multiple experiences or focus on one.
- Space: Where do you want to be? Close to home? Across the country? Abroad? Your options are wide open.
Whether you already have a clear goal or are just beginning to explore, it’s normal to feel both excited and nervous. Everyone feels that way when stepping into something new.
Getting Started
To make the alternative year of your dreams happen will require more or less money, depending on what you decide to do. Earning some or all of the money needed to pay for certain programs is part of the experience of an alternative year. If you pick some expensive options that might mean you spend the first half of your alternative year earning the money for what you do in the second half of your alternative year.
So, start exploring. Browse the links on this site, check out the recommended reading, and take notes on what sparks your interest. Reach out to organizations. Ask questions. Talk to past participants. The better your information, the better your decisions will be.