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.