There has been quite a bit of talk recently about the “gap year” – when a high school graduate waits a year before starting college. There are programs specifically designed for those utilizing a gap year, and opinions galore about who should utilize a gap year, how they should utilize it and how colleges view such experiences.
This blog has nothing to do with any of that. (Well, almost nothing.)
I’m writing this to connect with those who did not go to college at 18. Or started and then stopped.
I need to tell you something.
It’s time.
- The ‘gap’ (pun intended) between the earnings and opportunities between college graduates and non-college grads has never been wider. And it will grow. Despite criticisms of the job and earnings opportunities for college grads, it’s better than the alternative.
- The acceptance of adult students has never been greater. You used to be the icing on the cake. You are now the cake. MOST students in this country are non-traditional. Now, “non-traditional” includes some factors other than age (part-time student, parent of a child, full-time worker) but it still – mostly – represents the adult student market. 40 IS the new 20.
- You will (probably) succeed. There is some data that contradicts this, but I can tell you that while I often saw adults have to leave a program due to life’s twists and turns, I rarely saw an adult leave because of academic issues. There is something to say about the quality of education provided by the School of Hard Knocks.
- The resources and support have never been greater. The expansion of Community College programming, the increase in Scholarships for Adults, the increased acknowledgement of Life Experience in terms of College Credit, the increase in accepted transfer credit, the development of Colleges designed specifically for Adult Students (Thomas Edison State College would be one such example here in New Jersey) and the new GI Bill are just some of the resources that were either much smaller ‘back in the day’ or did not exist. All of these things are there because of you – to help you succeed in obtaining a college degree. It is time.
I said that this post had ‘almost’ nothing to do with the gap year. I said ‘almost’ because I do think there are two important connections between the Gap Year and the Gap Decade (or Gap Score, as it were). The first is that these gaps allow a person to mature – to ‘grow up’ as it were.
The second, related point is that these gaps allow a person to have a better sense of what academic program best suits their needs/wants/goals/strengths. While the ‘What Do You Want to Be When You Grow Up?” question can prove elusive even when you are 48, 68 or 88, the added time allows for more meaningful thought being given to the question.
You may not know the destination, but at least you have a better sense of how you want to map out the journey.
So, while you may have been enjoying this Gap Decade (or two) that you have taken, it is time. Welcome back and watch out for the Freshman 15!
As always, I welcome your comments and questions. Please feel free to email me at info@cc4therestofus.com, call or text me at 908-403-3819, join me on Facebook on “College Counseling for the Rest of Us” and join me on Twitter at @MichaelCCR. And now on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/user/CCRMichael?feature=mhee.
College Counseling for the Rest of Us 
Nov 18, 2011 @ 13:54:24
Michael, I took off the year before college. Next year, my son plans to take off the year before college (FYI, I am so proud of him, he’s already gotten two applications in to college). I highly recommend the “gap year.”
I’ve heard that colleges have learned this brings in a more mature freshman.
Nov 18, 2011 @ 14:03:52
Leora,
Thank you for the input! My thinking on the Gap Year has evolved. I used to have great concerns about it. But, as long as the student has a well-thought out plan and is not simply dodging responsibility, I think there are great benefits to a gap year. It does mean that you are paying tuition a year later (with more increases than your peers) and entering the workforce – in theory – a year later than your peers. But, you are entering that college program, and then the workforce, with (generally) a more mature outlook and a greater appreciation for the task at hand. Not for everyone, but a great opportunity for those who do it right. I think most colleges appreciate the gap year candidate, although most admissions counselors would prefer the ‘bird in hand’, as it were, so it’s a little unsettling a trend for them.
Michael
Nov 19, 2011 @ 09:31:09
Michael,
Interesting post!Taking a gap year is a great way to reassess your life and to figure out where you’re going by doing something constructive with your time.The best way is to get in touch with a gap year organization, as they’ll be able to arrange work placements/volunteering opportunities for you.
Nov 19, 2011 @ 11:11:42
Thank you, Maha!
I am fascinated that both responses to “the Gap Decade”, so far, have not been about the topic of the article but about Gap Years. Sounds like – based on popular demand – I need to add about a blog about the Gap Year, too.
Nov 20, 2011 @ 19:34:35
Most of my students are non-traditional and believe me there are TONS off options to take a GAP year and earn college credit.
You can prepare for CLEP or DANTES examinations while you are not in college and take right before you enter or during your first year.
You can also take self-paced distance learning courses like the ones offered by Colorado State – Pueblo (which are pretty affordable and cover most general education areas).
I think that in our times, for the average student, there is no reason to graduate 1 year late even if they decide to take a GAP year.
Nov 20, 2011 @ 19:46:00
Thank you, Augusto.
Nov 21, 2011 @ 21:50:06
I am glad you shared this – my best friend is a senior at Rutgers prep and is afraid to take the year off! She is a workaholic and is truly deserving of the break. I will send this to her ASAP!
Nov 21, 2011 @ 22:41:31
Chrissy,
A Gap Year may be a great opportunity for her to do any and all of the following: re-charge her academic batteries, reflect on her future, build her resume, volunteer, travel and/or do things she will not have a chance to do again. And colleges, increasingly, ‘get it’ and appreciate the Gap Year student.