Going to college right out of high school is not for everyone. Experience has shown that some students are able to have a more successful college experience by waiting a year. “Gap year” or interim year options allow these students to gain in maturity or to add to their resume by participating in travel, volunteerism or other enriching experiences. Some programs also provide opportunities for students to improve their college applications by making up classes they missed in high school, or adding ones they missed. Others provide assistance with time-management and study skills.

Collegeology has had years of experience helping students who choose to take a less traditional path to college.

Here are some of the options students can consider:

Fifth Year Programs

• Private residential schools that offer students the opportunity to polish up their course list or improve study skills in order to have a more successful college experience. Most programs are of a college preparatory nature so students can also gain experience with managing responsibilities away from home. Many of these schools offer competitive sports, and high school athletes looking for sport scholarships often find these schools “better connected” to college scouts.



Post-Graduate Study Abroad

• Students who don’t need to make up specific classes and who are more self-directed may be interested in spending the year after high school in a foreign country. In many countries around the world, what Americans call high school continues through grade 13, thus providing American students with an opportunity to broaden their horizons while learning about a new culture and themselves. Many of these programs offer courses that can be used for college credit, especially in the languages.



Organized Travel Experiences

• There are several excellent organizations that offer small group travel experiences for students, from traditional “exchange” programs where students live with local families, to exotic trips to remote corners of the world where students participate in ecological studies, or work with humanitarian groups.



Volunteer Experiences, Within the U.S. and Abroad

• Habitat for Humanity, AmeriCorps, and the Student Conservation Corps are but a few of the abundant community service opportunities available to students, who donate their time and skills and gain so much more in return. Some students seeking a greater understanding of their religious beliefs and heritage may also explore church or faith-based opportunities in schools, orphanages and health care settings.



Career Internships

• For students with their sights on a particular career, an internship in that field may be a good place to start. Many suggestions can be found on the Web or students can create their own internship experiences using contacts in their chosen area of interest.