Getting into college after a gap year?

Does taking a gap year make getting into college harder? I'd like to take a year off after high school to travel and gain some experience. Will colleges view this negatively in any way?

Taking a gap year won't necessarily make getting into college more difficult. In fact, many colleges view gap years positively because they often lead to greater personal growth, self-discovery, and maturity. Your experiences during this time could potentially offer unique perspectives to bring into a college setting and are viewed as enriching.

However, it's important to plan ahead with your gap year. Colleges will want to see that you utilized your gap year for something meaningful that aligns with your interests and future goals. This could include volunteer work, internships, work experience, or learning a new skill.

You may want to plan your college applications before you commence your gap year and, if accepted, request a deferral for the year. This way, you're not trying to manage applications while you're abroad or mid-project, which can be logistically challenging. That being said, some students prefer to use their gap year experiences to enhance their applications and choose to apply during their gap year. It really depends on personal preference and circumstances.

The key point to remember is that colleges appreciate diverse experiences. What matters most is a thoughtful and well-structured readmission package that clearly communicates how the gap year benefited you and how it will make you a stronger student when you return to college. For example, if your gap year increased your cultural sensitivity and adaptability through travel, be sure to detail these experiences and their impacts on your personal growth.