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Why Gap?
What is a Gap year?
When students decide to take a year off from academics after high school and before joining college, to explore the world or just explore their own self-beliefs they are considered to be taking a "gap year". The time is typically spent with volunteer work, and experiential educational opportunities of their choice in the U.S. or a foreign country. These experiences give them an edge over their peers because of the sheer freshness that they bring back, having a myriad of experiences under their belt. These days, the choices are many. One could choose to volunteer in an institution, teaching English in a foreign country, work in a programme, take on an internship, participate in an academic program abroad or sign up with different programs that meaningfully occupy a whole year.
A GAP program generally lends itself to a higher degree of student involvement. It offers many "real time" opportunities for leadership qualities to develop. The need to be motivated and stay positive in the face of adversity and uncertainty constantly gets tested. Students will have "real" exposure to convert challenging situations into opportunities. When the going gets tough, they will learn to use humor and keep things in perspective.
The popularity of a GAP Year is growing at an exponential rate around the world. Some of the leading schools and universities encourage students to take a GAP year, and sometimes even mention it in their acceptance letters, especially when it is a deferred admission. In 2009 Princeton University took the lead by creating their Bridge Year program which provides need blind financial aid for a portion of incoming freshman to take a Gap Year. For more reading on the significance of GAP years see the links below.
On the ground with a Gap year (NY Times, May 3, 2011)