Will my child want to enroll in college after his Gap Year? What do colleges think about students taking a year off? Isn't it really expensive?
Considering a gap year for your child can be daunting, but it doesn't have to be. Through Gap Year Explorer,
gap year programs are vetted to ensure they are the right fit, are of high quality and affordable. Testimonials are provided both by students and parents who have experienced gap year opportunities. Also, Gap
Year Explorer is a proponent of students working a portion of their year off to
assist with the costs associated with their gap year.
Consider this quote from an article in Inside Higher Ed:
"Traditionally, U.S. higher education has championed the idea of liberal arts as a way of getting students to engage with difference, to expand their worldview beyond their known universe by “questioning assumptions, by inducing self-reflection …However, formal classroom education alone cannot accomplish this aim. The classroom is limited in its ability to engage students with difference and contribute to their development as able citizens. We also need new experiences that inspire critical self-reflection to cultivate the right moral feelings and dispositions."
During the college planning process, many parents focus on where their children should go to college and neglect to asked them why they want to go to college. Here are some facts that you may not be aware of:
Here are some signs that your child may not be ready to commit to a four-year university experience:
Consider this quote from an article in Inside Higher Ed:
"Traditionally, U.S. higher education has championed the idea of liberal arts as a way of getting students to engage with difference, to expand their worldview beyond their known universe by “questioning assumptions, by inducing self-reflection …However, formal classroom education alone cannot accomplish this aim. The classroom is limited in its ability to engage students with difference and contribute to their development as able citizens. We also need new experiences that inspire critical self-reflection to cultivate the right moral feelings and dispositions."
During the college planning process, many parents focus on where their children should go to college and neglect to asked them why they want to go to college. Here are some facts that you may not be aware of:
- About half of students who enter college as freshmen complete their degrees in four years.
- Upwards of 90% of students who take a gap year do attend or return to college with more focus and appreciation for learning.
- Most colleges will grant deferrals if presented with a solid plan of how the student aims to gain real world experiences that relate to an area of study.
- Gap year options do not need to be expensive international programs. Many gap year experiences include room and board, stipends, and/or minimal expenses.
Here are some signs that your child may not be ready to commit to a four-year university experience:
- Showing little interest or doing minimal research on their own regarding a college choice.
- Dragging their feet when it comes to writing essays or filling out applications.
- Appearing bored and disengaged during college visits
- Choosing a school based on a friend's choice and not their own.