How do colleges view gap years on applications?

Hi all! I'm a junior considering taking a gap year after high school to travel and gain some life experiences. How do colleges view gap years? Will it hurt my chances of getting accepted? Any advice or personal experiences would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Hi there! I'm glad to hear you're considering a gap year. From my experience with my own child who took a gap year, colleges generally view it positively, as long as you use the time productively and can demonstrate personal growth from the experience. Traveling and gaining life experiences are great ways to grow and mature, which can actually make you a stronger candidate when applying to colleges. Just make sure to have a well-thought-out plan for your gap year and be prepared to discuss how it has benefited you when you apply. Additionally, some colleges even have deferral policies that allow you to apply during your senior year and defer your enrollment if you're accepted, which might be something to look into. As long as you stay focused and use the time to grow, a gap year should not hurt your chances of getting accepted. Good luck!