Any statistics on gap year students?

I'm interested in taking a gap year but want to know how common it is. Are there any stats or data on how many students decide to take a gap year and what they generally do during it?

Sure, I can provide some general stats and trends around gap years! According to data from the American Gap Association, between 30,000 and 40,000 students in the U.S. take a gap year annually, representing about 1-2% of all first-year students. It's been observed that this number has been steadily increasing over recent years.

As for what students usually do during their gap year, it's pretty diverse. A majority of students who take gap years pursue travel or volunteer opportunities, or a combination of both. Some work to save money or gain professional experience, either in the U.S. or abroad. Others take on internships, go on cultural exchanges, or start their own initiatives like social enterprises.

Some students also explore educational options they didn't have time for in high school, such as learning a new language or taking specialized courses online. Some even spend the time for test preps and college applications if they did not begin this progress during high school.

However, it's important to remember that a gap year is a deeply individual experience and can be tailored to suit your unique goals and needs. The most successful gap years are the ones where students have clear objectives, whether that's to gain a particular skill, understand a new culture, or just explore personal interests.