A Gap Year

A growing trend, and one which has been in the news recently, is for students to take a year off after high school, before heading to college. I am a proponient of a gap year especially if a student is lacking surity of their college major/career intent. It can be a opportunity for them to get some direction, while gaining maturity. However, if you're considering it, make sure there is a plan for that time.

I recommend students take a career interest inventory such as The Call or Career Direct to help provide keener insight into how they are wired and how God might be leading them. There will be certain results from these inventories that will confirm what you already knew about yourself---however, just about everybody learns some new things. In the past few years, two of my kids took these inventories and they were pleasantly surprised with some of the careers they could consider.

How do students use that gap year? Some gap year students travel, some might do short-term ministry or community service, while others work to save up money for college.

If you're second-guessing your college plans for this fall, and are thinking about taking a gap year, make sure you talk to the admissions office of your college/university about getting a deferment on your acceptance.

Internet options and the college decision

It wasn’t until the early 1990’s that internet technology came into existence to help with the college search and selection. We relied on brochures, catalogs, and videos that were sent to us through the mail or that we picked-up at the guidance office at the local high school. We managed okay, but the flow of information from colleges and universities was dependent on how quickly they, as well as the postal service, could get us needed information. Things have changed dramatically for the better with the internet.

I've compiled a list of valuable resources available on the internet at my website. Not only can you access a vast array of information, but you can do so in your own timeframe and in a convenient setting.

ACSD Bound

I'm headed to the ACSD Conference at Cedarville University this week, a gathering of Christian student development officers. I'm looking forward to attending with a dozen or so of my colleagues from Moody--- and interacting with the hundreds from other colleges and universities.