As reported by the American Gap Association:

• 90% of Gap Year participants graduate from a 4 year institution as compared to the overall United States graduation rate of 60%.

• On average, Gap Year participants graduate from college in 4.07 years compared to most public universities where only 19% of full time students earn a bachelor’s degree in four years. Even at state flagship universities - selective, research intensive institutions - only 36% of full time participants complete their bachelor’s degree on time.

• 85% of participants had a B average or better and 55% had an A average or better.

  • For nearly 40 years Harvard has recommended a Gap Year, in their letter of admission. 

Stats about gap year discipleship

• 77% agree or strongly agreed that their Gap Year helped them find purpose in life.

• 86% of Gap Year participants  were satisfied with their job after college.

• 84% agreed or strongly agreed that their Gap Year helped them acquire skills to be successful in their career.

“For a gap year to have a significant impact on success in college, and later in the working world, it needs to be a transformative event, quite distinct from anything a student has experienced before - a meaningful work experience, academic preparation for college or travel that opens up the horizon to the rest of the world. It should also be designed to help students acquire the skills and attributes that colleges and employers are looking for: maturity, confidence, problem-solving, communication skills and independence” - Jeffrey Selingo (Professor at University of Arizona and former top editor at the Chronicle for Higher Education)

Good Questions To Ask If You’re Considering A Gap Year:

• Do you want to take a gap year or gap semester?

• Do you want to structure your own program or do you want to be a part of an established Gap Year program?

• Do you want to live and/or work with other Gap Year participants?

• Do you want to participate in a domestic program, global program or both?

• Do you want to participate in a faith based program?

• Do you want to explore your vocational interests?

• Do you want to explore a special interest or hobby?

• Do you want to participate in personal, spiritual or college counseling?

• Is it important that you earn college credits in your Gap Year?

• Are you interested in earning a certification in a particular field of interest?

• Can you pay tuition for a Gap Year program?

Helpful Gap Year Links

• https://www.greatschools.org/gk/articles/whats-a-gap-year-and-other-questions-answered/

• https://gapyearassociation.org/blog/advice-parents-gap-year-parents/

• https://www.parents.com/kids/education/college/what-a-gap-year-is-what-it-isnt-and-how-to-know-if-your-child-should-take-one/

• https://time.com/97065/gap-year-college/

• https://www.gapyearassociation.org/2016/04/06/a-parents-guide-to-all-things-gap-year/

Recommended Books On Gap Years

• Gap to Great: A Parents Guide to the Gap Year by Andrea Wien

• Gap Year: How Delaying College Changes Peoples in Ways the World Needs by Joseph O’Shea

• Gap Year, American Style: Journeys Toward Learning, Serving, and Self Discovery by Karl Haigler

• The Complete Guide to the Gap Year: The Best Things To Do Between High School and College by Kristin White

• The Gap-Year Advantage: Helping Your Child Benefit From Time Off Before or During College by Karl Haigler