What is a Gap Year?: Exploring Gap Year Meaning and Benefits

What is a Gap Year?

Many students find themselves asking, “What is a gap year?” while exploring their options after high school. Taking a gap year is a big decision–one that can hugely benefit you in the long run. However, gap years are not exactly the norm, and they may not be suitable for everyone. So if you’re interested in taking one, you’ll have to make that choice for yourself.

Exploring gap year ideas and planning for a gap year after high school often raises several questions. Some students asking themselves, “What is a gap year?” wonder how it can help clarify their academic or career path. Others wonder how taking a gap year will affect their college admissions odds.

If you or your student are wondering, “What is a gap year?” keep reading. In this article, we’ll cover:

• What is a gap year?
• What is the difference between bridge vs. deferral vs. gap year meanings?
• Why take a gap year?
• What is a gap year’s effect on college applications and admissions?
• What are the benefits of taking a gap year?
• How do I decide what to do in a gap year?

We’ll also go over some gap year pros and cons to consider as you weigh your options. Plus, we’ll show you where to look for amazing gap year ideas. But first, let’s start with a gap year definition.

Gap Year Meaning

Before we discuss the nuances of a gap year, we need a precise gap year definition. A gap year can take on many forms, so we need to be clear on what a gap year actually is.

Gap Year Definition: A period during which students take a break from their formal education. 

Reading this definition, you’re probably left with more questions than answers. So, let’s explore this gap year definition further.  

Essentially, a gap year is a deliberate break from academic studies to pursue experiences outside the classroom. This could look like a full-year gap year program, or students might fill the year with shorter gap year programs. While many students choose to travel abroad during a gap year, you can certainly take a gap year closer to home.

When do students typically take a gap year?

Students typically take a gap year after graduating high school, usually delaying their entry into college by one academic year. However, any break between secondary school and higher education can be referred to as a gap year, meaning your time off could actually be longer or shorter.

Additionally, gap years don’t always happen before college. In some instances, a gap year can refer to a planned break after earning your bachelor’s degree. This might involve taking time off before starting a job or pursuing graduate school.

What is a gap year typically used for?

There’s no set requirements for what to do in a gap year–and that’s the point. Taking a gap year after high school gives students the flexibility to pursue their own experiences. 

Many choose to volunteer during their gap year, meaning they contribute to communities while gaining valuable skills. Pursuing internships is also common during a gap year, meaning individuals can build professional connections and experience. Others study a new language in their gap year, meaning they’ll have a foundation to continue building in college and beyond.

If any of this sounds like something you’re interested in, then a gap year might be right for you!

Bridge Year, Deferral Year, Gap Year

When researching “What is a gap year?” you may come across the terms “bridge year” and “deferral year.” 

If you’re new to the idea of a gap year, hearing these terms may bring about more confusion. However, the bridge vs. deferral vs. gap year meaning isn’t as different as you might think. So, let’s talk about them!

Bridge year

What is a gap year and how is it different from a bridge year? For the most part, these two terms are interchangeable. However, a bridge year typically has a more defined focus.

Bridge Year Definition: A transitional period during which students explore their academic interests through non-traditional settings.

In this specific context, a gap year, meaning a break from a traditional course of study, actually opens students up to more opportunities to work towards their goals. It’s not a complete break from their path towards college; it’s just a more untraditional way to continue developing their interests.

If you’re considering a bridge year, you might already have ideas for what to do in a gap year. You’ll probably be looking for activities for teens in your chosen field. Or you might be looking into programs that help you earn college credit. You might even be looking for an internship where you can get real world experience (like this Alternative Apprenticeship Program).

For the most part, the bridge year vs. gap year meaning isn’t all that different. Whichever term you use, you’re still taking a break between high school and college. However, there is one type of gap year that stands out from the rest.

Deferral year

In some cases, two things might be true: you might be set on taking a gap year after high school and already know the specific college you want to attend. In this case, you may want to secure an offer of admission before starting your gap year, meaning your gap year will actually be a deferral year.

Deferral Year Definition: A year in which students have postponed their college enrollment to pursue personal interests before beginning their studies at a chosen college or university.

Under these circumstances, you would go through the admissions process prior to beginning your gap year, meaning you’d apply during the typical senior year admissions cycle. After receiving your offer of admission, you would need to petition your school to defer your enrollment. This would ensure that you have a spot reserved in the following year’s entering class.

Some students, and parents, feel more comfortable going into a deferral year than a gap year. With a deferral year, your gap year has an official end date. Plus, you won’t have to worry about college admissions during your time off.

Gap year

As previously stated, a gap year refers to any break in your academic studies. So, what is a gap year compared to a deferral year compared to a bridge year? Practically speaking, they’re all talking about the same thing. Which term feels right to you just depends on how you’re spending your gap year and what your plans are after.

It’s true that a gap year can look many different ways. Some use a gap year to explore extracurricular activities for resume building so they can improve their college admissions odds. Others use a gap year for personal development so they can feel more confident and prepared to make the most of their college experience. There’s no specific conditions for a gap year, meaning you get to decide how you fill the year.

At this point, we’ve clarified “What is a gap year?” Now, let’s answer the question: “Why take a gap year?”

Taking a gap year before college

There are plenty of gap year pros and cons–so why take a gap year?

Here’s one way to think about it. For the last 12 years of your life, you’ve gone through a structured program. You’ve moved from elementary school to middle school to high school, following the natural progression of our education system. But, after high school, you have to take your education into your own hands and decide what you want to do next.

If you’ve decided to further your education, you might be looking at colleges and universities all over the country. You might also be exploring vocational schools and community colleges in your home state. Where you decide to go to college is a personal choice. What students don’t always realize is when you go to college is too.

Understandably, the idea of taking a gap year before college can be intimidating. Many parents wonder, “What is a gap year going to do for my child?” or “What is a gap year going to mean for my child’s academic career?”

If you and your child are set on the idea of college, a gap year doesn’t have to get in the way of that. Whether your child is following in your footsteps at your alma mater or is going to be the first in your family to attend college, a gap year can help set them up for success!

Gap year statistics

Tracking the exact number of students who take a gap year is a challenge. However, U.S. News reports that 40,000-60,000 students take a gap year every year. So, while gap years may not be the norm, they are a lot more common than you think.

What is a gap year and why do so many students choose to take one?

Forbes reported the following gap year statistics from a 2020 study of gap year students:

• 78% felt that their gap year provided clarity on their life goals
• 74% believed their gap year increased their adaptability
• 63% stated that their gap year helped them form new friendships

What is a gap year’s impact on future academic and career prospects?

The majority of gap year students choose to return to school after their break. And, in many cases, gap years are looked upon favorably by employers.

• The Wall Street Journal reported 90% of students who take a gap year are enrolled in college within a year.
• Forbes reported 80% of hiring managers considered gap years valuable for fostering personal growth.
• The Gap Year Association reported 95% of gap year participants felt their experience equipped them for their next steps in education or the workforce.

If you asked students, “Why take a gap year?” they might say:

• To strengthen skills. The top three skills GYA survey participants reported improving upon were cultural awareness, communication, and self-direction.
• To become more mature and build self confidence. About 81% of students surveyed by the GYA reported their gap year had a large impact on their maturity and confidence.
• To increase motivation. More than 75% of GYA survey participants reported that their gap year contributed to their motivation and their goals.

There’s certainly plenty of evidence out there to support taking a gap year. In fact, 31% of graduates who had taken gap years believed gap years should be mandatory during college.

What is a Gap year: Pros and Cons

We’ve discussed the question “What is a gap year?” and explored some key gap year statistics. As you explore various gap year ideas, here are a few gap year pros and cons to consider.

So, why take a gap year? Because it provides real-world experience, fosters personal growth, and helps clarify your goals. However, don’t forget about possible financial expenses, the difficulty of readjusting to academic life, and the challenges that may arise from postponing your college applications.

How will a gap year affect my college admission chances?

Let’s say you’ve decided to take a true gap year, meaning you are not going through the college admissions process or pursuing a deferral year. If you’re still hoping to attend college one day, it’s important to consider gap year pros and cons and how they’ll affect your chances of admission.

If you’re definitely planning on going to college one day, you’re likely asking yourself, “What’s a gap year mean for my college applications?” For one thing, a gap year is an opportunity to strengthen your candidate profile. This is particularly true when it comes to your college resume and your application essays.

Many people focus on personal development during their gap year, meaning you can grow as an individual while also working towards your future goals. Participating in gap year programs can significantly enhance your college resume by providing valuable experiences and skills that set you apart from other applicants. Just be sure when you’re brainstorming gap year ideas to consider how they relate to your future academic and career goals.

If you’re looking for extracurricular activities for resume building, check out our list of gap year programs for career exploration.

5 Benefits of taking a gap year before college

If you’re looking for more pros to answer the question “Why take a gap year?” here are five great benefits of taking a gap year after high school:

1. Embracing independence. Whether you’re traveling solo, volunteering, or working abroad, gap year programs teach you how to navigate new environments and challenges independently. In the long run, developing self-direction and self-reliance will contribute to a successful transition into adulthood.
2. Building your confidence. Taking a gap year naturally requires you to step out of your comfort zone. By embracing new responsibilities and tackling various challenges, you’ll build greater confidence in who you are and what you are capable of achieving.
3. Becoming more culturally aware. People often choose to travel during their gap year, meaning they look for opportunities to immerse themselves in new cultures and perspectives. This exposure helps you broaden your worldview and fosters empathy towards others.
4. Strengthening skills. Gap year programs allow you to develop soft skills that can translate to any future career. Some students opt for a more focused gap year, meaning you can engage in specific activities to nurture your particular talents and passions.
5. Engaging in self-reflection. What is a gap year if not an opportunity to get to know yourself better? Taking time to think deeply about your values, interests, and goals can help you find more clarity about your future path. In most cases, students return to school with a fresh perspective after their gap year, meaning you can approach your studies with renewed motivation.

So, why take a gap year? Well why not! Gap year programs are so much more than just activities for teens–they’re valuable opportunities for students to better understand themselves and their place in the world.

How to plan your gap year

There’s no doubt that a gap year can be a transformative experience. With that said, taking the time to carefully plan your gap year is the best way to truly enjoy all its benefits. Here are three essential steps to help you get started.

Consider your goals

If you’re still asking yourself, “What is a gap year?” just remember a gap year is anything you make it! Instead of focusing on what your gap year should look like, think about what you hope to achieve during your time off. For instance, are you looking to further explore an interest, gain work experience, or learn a new language? Understanding and clarifying your priorities will help guide your decisions and ensure that your gap year is meaningful.

Explore programs

To put it plainly: why take a gap year if you’re not spending it doing something you’re excited about? With a wide array of options available, it'll take some work to find a program that aligns with your interests. If you’re stuck on what to do in a gap year, check out our Top 50 Gap Programs. You can explore gap year ideas for everything from environmental conservation to community service to business and entrepreneurship.

Calculate the cost

Creating a solid financial plan is essential for making the most of your experience while minimizing stress. In addition to knowing what different gap year programs entail, it’s important to know how much they cost. Many students also work during their gap year, meaning they can save up money for cool programs, travel, and even their future studies.

What is a Gap Year? - The Main Takeaways

In this article, we explored the questions “What is a gap year?” and “Why take a gap year?” Throughout, we discussed important gap year definitions and statistics, as well as important gap year pros and cons to help you better understand what taking a gap year might mean for you.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to take a gap year comes down to your particular circumstances, needs, and goals. As you research different gap year programs, here are some key points to keep in mind:

• What is a gap year? A gap year is a break, typically taken between high school and college, during which students pursue experiences outside of their formal education.
• Why take a gap year? Taking a gap year allows students to explore new interests, develop life skills, and gain clarity on their future goals.
• How does a gap year affect college admissions? A gap year can enhance college applications by demonstrating maturity, independence, and a commitment to personal development.
• How do I decide what to do in a gap year? Start by clarifying your interests and goals, then explore programs or opportunities that align with them.

Now, instead of asking yourself “What is a gap year?” you can ask yourself “Is a gap year right for me?” For more gap year ideas, check out our collection of gap year activities for teens.