What exactly are gap year students?

I'm considering taking a gap year after high school but I'm not entirely sure what that entails. Can someone explain what gap year students do and what the overall purpose of a gap year is?

A gap year refers to taking a year off, usually between high school graduation and starting college. During this time, students have the opportunity to explore their interests, gain real-world experience, or simply take a break from the traditional academic path.

While the specific activities vary greatly between students, common things gap-year students might do include traveling, volunteering, interning, working a job, or taking part in a program specifically designed for gap-year students. These pursuits can offer personal growth, exposure to different cultures, a chance to delve into a specific interest or career path, and essentially broaden one's perspectives beyond the classroom.

The purpose of a gap year can be different for everyone. Some students might want a break from intense academia before continuing on to college, while others might want to work and earn money. Some students may want to travel or do a service project to explore their interests or give back to the community. It can offer a breather to better define one's goals, which might lead to a more focused and motivated approach when they do attend college.

However, if you are considering a gap year, it's important to remember to be mindful of application deadlines and processes for colleges you're interested in. Many schools will allow you to defer admission for a year, but this varies by institution, so you'll want to have a clear plan in place.