Value of Gap Year before College

My daughter wants to take a year off after she graduates from high school and then go to college. She calls this a "gap year." I don't know anyone who has ever done this. Is a gap year a good idea? Is she likely to go to college after interrupting her education for a year? -- Concerned
Answer: It is becoming increasingly popular for high-school students to take a year off (a gap year) before enrolling in college. Still, only a very small percentage of students actually do this. Some colleges (Harvard, Princeton, New York University) actually encourage accepted students to take a gap year. Your daughter should definitely check with any colleges that she might wish to attend to learn of their policy regarding students who take a gap year.
For most students, the gap year tends to be a good idea, and they do go on to college at the end of the year. The experiences that students have during this year provide learning beyond the classroom and give them a better picture of the world and of themselves. According to Matt McGann, MIT Admissions Officer, students taking a gap year return more confident and self-aware.
Of course, a gap year needs to be filled with meaningful activity. It can't be a year of just staying home and playing video games. Popular choices include travel abroad, internships, volunteer/service programs and earning money for college. Your daughter's guidance counselor might suggest other options. Plus, your daughter can go online and find programs that are specifically designed for the gap year.
Deciding to take a gap year is a big decision. It requires considerable research and planning. Some gap year activities, such as traveling abroad, can be expensive unless a budget approach is used. Internships and volunteer/service programs can give students a better understanding of a field in which they may wish to major, as well as a leg up in a career.