I'm thinking about taking a gap year after high school, but I'd like to know if it's possible or advisable to take more than one. How do colleges view extended gap periods, and could it affect my admissions or scholarships?
Certainly, one can take multiple gap years before starting college. However, it's important to thoughtfully plan these years out and use them in a way that enhances your application. Admission officers will definitely inquire about what you did during your gap years, so it's essential to actively invest this time in something constructive like working, volunteering, researching, interning, or traveling purposefully.
When considering scholarships, each school and scholarship has its own specific rules regarding eligibility post-high school. It's advisable to research the terms of the specific scholarships you're interested in and reach out to the offering entity for accurate information. Keep in mind that some scholarships are only available to recent high school graduates.
Ultimately, it's your decision on how and when you want to start college. Multiple gap years can provide valuable life experiences that can make you a more enriched person and, potentially, a more interesting candidate from an admissions standpoint. But it's essential to communicate the sense of growth, maturity, and purpose gained during this time in your application.
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.