As the number of students that decide to participate in a gap year experience rises across the United States, it has become clear that this decision can be a life, career, and personality-defining moment. The period between 18-22 is a crucial phase for learning and development and no matter what you decide to do, it’s important that you make the best of this time.
Whether you’re new to the idea of a gap year or have been dreaming of the possibility since a child, it can be hard to imagine the activities that would merit taking time off from school. Afterall, all roads point to attending and completing college as quickly as possible. But is this pressure warranted and is taking a gap year a good idea?
We’re happy to report that taking a gap year is a legitimate option; we even debunked the many misconceptions. The fact is that the experience of a gap often leads to self-discovery, allows you to uncover life-long interests, and boosts educational success upon your return to college. Once you decide to take a gap year before or during college, the question remains, “how should I spend this time, and where can I begin?”
Don’t worry, the following list will help you to understand the highest-impact activities you can participate in and provide stories from students that have been there before so that you can walk away with tangible ideas for how you can spend your most important year yet.