The BIG C's: character, collaboration, and curiosity are now in vogue
Here are some examples of ways teens get stuck and how you, as a parent, can help your teen get unstuck and on the road to college.
Thoughts on Gap Years
For years I’ve been saying that college is often wasted on 18 year olds.
- Although “Gap Year” is what people tend to say, it is better to think of this as “Gap Time” because some students may take a full year between high school and college, but others may take only the summer months, or a semester, or even longer than a year.
- Many students fill their Gap Year with multiple experiences that involve work, travel, internships, community service, cultural exchange, and sometimes structured learning programs. There are opportunities both close to home and around the world.
- TIP: it’s best to begin your Gap experience with a program away from home. When late August arrives you probably won’t want to remain home if most of your friends are headed off to college. You also might want to postpone any plans for total independence until later in your Gap experience. Start off in a program where you have some structure and peer grouping, and then ease into the more independent portion of your Gap Year.
- The most common objection expressed by parents is the concern that their child will never go to college after experiencing the break. Data doesn’t support this – in fact, 90% of Gap Year participants continue on directly to college.
- The reasons students choose Gap Year are various, but the most common Gap Year student is the burnt-out student – the high-achiever who simply needs a break from academic demands and competition. Interestingly, we’re also seeing another group of high-achievers – pre-med college students – taking some time for an alternative experience before heading on to medical school. Harvard reveals that 60% of applicants to medical school are alumni who have taken gap time after college. http://www.thecrimson.com/article/2015/2/25/medical-applicants-time-off/?page=1
- Colleges are reporting that students who take Gap Years tend to earn higher GPAs once they enroll in college. Some colleges now promote a Gap Year. Harvard encourages admitted students to pursue a Gap Year; Princeton has a small tuition free Gap program for a select number of freshmen; Tufts now has a program they call 1+4; Elon runs a small and select semester-long program off-campus for first semester freshmen; and American University invites some admitted students to do a semester of internships before enrolling full time.
- Students who take Gap Years report feeling more motivated, responsible, and independent. They also report feeling more fiscally aware than most college students. And, they report feeling a greater sense of educational purpose once they return to the university setting.
- A common myth is that Gap Years are expensive. While there are programs that cost upward of $50,000, there are also programs that cost more like $5,000. Also, there are scholarships for Gap Years and programs that incorporate opportunities to earn money.
- TIP: Apply to college in your senior year. Defer enrollment. Then go off on your Gap Year knowing you have a college home when you return.
For more information:
American Gap Association http://www.americangap.org/
Gap Year Fairs http://usagapyearfairs.org/
Teen Life https://www.teenlife.com/category/gap-year/
If you have questions, I am happy to talk with you. Click here to schedule a free 20-minute Discovery Call to get started, https://www.creativecollegeconnections.com/preliminary-conversation.
By Hannah Serota
Hannah Serota, M.Ed, is a Certified Educational Planner and three-decade college admissions professional. She is the founder of Creative College Connections, an educational consulting practice providing teens and their families exemplary professional guidance, tools, and strategies that inspire confidence and joy on the path to acceptance at best-fit colleges.