Is It Common to Take a Gap Year Before Applying to Colleges?

I'm curious if applying to colleges is something people do while in a gap year. Do colleges look at you differently if you haven't started right after high school?

Of course, taking a gap year before applying to colleges is a route that some students decide to take, and it's becoming more common. Some students use gap years to gain work experience, travel, engage in community service, or explore personal interests.

Colleges generally don't look at gap year students any differently than those applying right out of high school. Many colleges believe that gap years can be extremely beneficial for students. They may gain more real-world experience, maturity, focus, and clarity about their career paths, which could ultimately enhance their application. However, you must use your time productively during your gap year and be prepared to articulate why you took this gap year and how it benefited you in your college application.

For example, if you've spent your gap year working on a project related to your intended college major or career path, colleges may find that a plus as it shows a deeper commitment to your field. On the other hand, if you decide to do nothing related to your field of interest during your gap year, they may question your level of commitment.

Ultimately, what matters is how you utilize your time during the gap year and how it fits into your overall narrative as a candidate. It's important to articulate how the experiences during your gap year have shaped your personal and academic growth and your future goals.