Gap years give students a chance to experience the world outside the classroom before returning to further study. They are an opportunity to gain independence, develop skills and experience, and further knowledge: no wonder they appeal to many students!  Gap years are fairly common in the UK, but less so in the US, and US university applicants may wonder how taking a gap year might be viewed by universities there. The good news is that US universities increasingly see gap years as valuable learning experiences, as long as they are doing something meaningful during that time, such as community service, employment, or learning a language. In the US, typically students request a gap year after admission, not at the time of application, as is more normal in the UK. This article will go through the options and resources available to students who may be considering a gap year, as well as touching on the benefits and logistical considerations.

When it comes to gap year opportunities, students are spoilt for choice. There are opportunities to volunteer abroad; take part in cultural exchanges, language immersion programmes, and adventure travel experiences; and complete work experience or internships. Early on in the process, students should think carefully about how their gap year programme might fit with their interests, values, and goals. For example, many students know they want to travel during their gap year, but selecting the right-fit travel programme is a great way to show universities their values in action. A student who is passionate about social justice and curious about eventually studying law might be a good fit for the Global Citizen Year programme. On the other hand, someone interested in sustainability and the natural world might benefit from the National Outdoor Leadership School. An immersive programme like this could demonstrate their passion for nature as well as help them build leadership skills that will help them thrive at university and beyond.

A US-based gap year can also give students who are unsure about studying in the US confidence in their decision. For a career-focused student in this situation, a programme like Dynamy might work well. The programme focuses on internships, college and career advising, and independent living; students also have the option to take classes at Clark University. This programme gives participants a taste of US student life and the opportunity to find out first-hand whether it would be a good fit for them.

Students looking for jobs abroad could try working in hospitality, as an au pair, as a ski/snowboard instructor, or an internship abroad.

There are various resources available for students interested in gap years. The Gap Year Association has lots of useful information and guidance, listing lots of different types of gap year programmes. Go Overseas also provides lists of programmes, including overseas jobs, helpfully sorted by category (e.g. volunteering, internships, language schools).

Taking a gap year before beginning university has many benefits. A time of independence and exploration can also help students build maturity and the ability to adapt to new situations, which is a huge benefit at university. Gap years not only help to prepare students for independent adult life but also can help students define what they want from their university experience and to leverage the right opportunities on campus. The exposure to new cultures and a diverse range of people that one might gain on a gap year--especially those immersing students in a new local culture--can help them adjust socially to university. This is especially beneficial for international students attending university in the US, or another global destination.

For students applying to university in a gap year, the experience is often a successful one. The time and freedom from schoolwork gives applicants time to thoroughly research their university options, write compelling and reflective application essays, and re-sit tests like the SAT or ACT. We recommend getting testing out the way early in the gap year (straight after exams) if necessary.

When considering a gap year, it’s crucial to think about the logistics and timeline of making university applications. Whilst a gap year might seem an alternative to the university admissions process, it can be beneficial for students to go forward with university applications in their final year of school. At this point, they have the support of their school and are fresh in the minds of the teachers and counsellor who will be writing their recommendations. It can be smart to complete the application forms through the relevant portal in the June/July after exams, as this will mean students have around fifteen months before college! In the UK, students can defer at the time of applications. At most US colleges, students can request to defer their admission for a year after admission (some universities such as Yale offer this automatically to all students). However, deferring your place could also affect levels of scholarships and financial aid, for which students may need to reapply. Some European destinations may not be able to offer deferred places and students will need to reapply in their gap year. Students should be sure to check individual universities’ policies and factor these into the application plan.

When requesting to defer their place, applicants should also be mindful of university deadlines to do so, as universities may have a limited number of places they can defer. Applicants should also write a polite and detailed deferral letter outlining why they are requesting to defer, what they intend to do on their gap year, and how that experience will benefit them when they matriculate to the university.

Parents and counsellors can support students considering a gap year by encouraging them to reflect on what they want from the gap year experience, share helpful resources, and connect their unique interests, strengths, and application ‘story’ to specific gap year programmes. It is also helpful to encourage them to choose a programme that will help them build skills that will facilitate them having a great university experience. For advice on gap years and deferring a university place, you can reach out to info@ueseducation.com or book a free call with an expert counsellor here.