What are the Benefits of a Gap Year After High School?

March 14, 2024

Each year, between 1 to 5 percent of United States high school seniors take a year off after graduation –  to travel, work, volunteer, take classes, and pursue their passions. 

These “gap year” activities are as individual as each student, but how can students decide if they are suited for time off between high school and college? And what is the role of the high school counseling department in guiding or assisting students who seek gap year placements?

At the nationally ranked, established Dwight Global Online School, “We work with students to thoughtfully consider how they hope to evolve and challenge themselves during a gap year,” said Director of College Counseling Megan Miller. “We have a growing gap year population, and we spend time discussing ways in which they may want to explore their passions in greater depth.” 

Miller said gap years are most effective when they allow students to increase self-awareness, learn about different cultural perspectives, or explore their passions or possible careers. All high school students at Dwight Global regularly meet with the school’s experienced college counselors to discuss their post-graduation plans.

“Before students can decide if a gap year is right for them, we have internal reflective conversations to determine if it is the right approach. How does a gap year match what the student needs to grow? Why is the additional time needed? We are mindful of how the gap year plan will be used.”

Some students want to take college classes, for example, so they ensure what they want to major in, or to have more time to pick the right school. For athletes, the additional time is very often helpful in the recruitment process. A dancer may choose to dance professionally during a gap year, as another example.

Miller said that gap year activities do not necessarily require large financial contributions, either, and that the student growth component is the most important factor in determining gap year plans.  “Colleges look very favorably on students who work. Employment is an excellent gap year option,” said Miller.

Some students simply feel it is too early for them to commit to a college or university, and the gap year provides the time to further explore higher education options. Many students simultaneously plan gap year endeavors and apply to colleges in the senior year. Once they are admitted to college, these students then defer admission if allowed in order to take advantage of finalized gap year plans. Miller said most colleges do allow for admissions deferral but that each college has its own policy.

Occasionally, students take a gap year once they have already begun their college or university education, and Dwight Global is ready to assist those students as well.  

“There is never an end date for belonging to the DG community!” she said. “We are working now with a student who graduated three years ago, and who reached out to use Dwight Global as a resource. We have transfer students who come back to ask for advice, as well, and we are always glad to help them achieve their goals in the next step of their journey.”

It is important to hear about gap years from students themselves. Three recent Dwight Global graduates recount their 2023-24 gap year experiences below.

Mia Fernandes: In my gap year I have traveled internationally, continued to dance classical ballet, and taught English language and culture. After my gap year I plan to attend the University of St. Andrews.  My college counselor was incredibly helpful and supportive and I felt logistically, intellectually, and emotionally supported. 

I found out about the gap year option because my older brother took one. I decided to travel and work during my gap year because it’s similar to what my brother did. I also wanted to become fluent in French, discover international culture and history, and have a truly challenging adventure. 

I would recommend a gap year! It is crucial to open your mind and challenge your ability to stand on your own two feet. For example, I really treasure the confidence I have built from doing my job — proposing lesson plans and explaining my plans in French forced me to have courage in a way I never had in high school. 

Benjamin Poitras: I am currently playing junior hockey for the Green Bay Gamblers in the United States Hockey League, for players between ages 16-21. I graduated from Dwight Global last year and I am heading to Northeastern University to play Division 1 college hockey next year. In order to play D1 hockey in college, it is almost mandatory to play junior hockey.

Although I am extremely busy during my gap year due to hockey, it has helped me take a breath and have a mental reset on the school side of things. I am glad I took it!

Sabrina Sierens: My gap year came about rather abruptly. I was committed to attend Butler University with a double major in Ballet performance and Psychology, up until the end of July when an opportunity to dance professionally with the Orlando Ballet was presented to me. As soon as I received this offer, there was no doubt that I needed to seize this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I was able to rehearse and perform in about fifty performances throughout the season. After this year, I have decided to renew my contract with Orlando Ballet, therefore taking a second deferral from college.

My college counselor was a tremendous help throughout my transition. In our countless meetings, she talked me through all of my options and helped me apply to a diverse amount of programs. Once I made the choice to pursue ballet, she aided me through my deferral and helped me reapply to many more schools the following fall. I was constantly supported and encouraged by her to pursue whatever my heart desired. 

Without a doubt, I would recommend a gap year to any student who has a passion that cannot be fulfilled by attending college, like ballet. College is like a safety blanket that will always be there for us when we are ready. In the meantime, pursue your dreams while you are young! 

Contact Dwight Global Online School to learn more about this nationally ranked, established online school for grades 6-12.