Hey there—psssst!—you over there! Would you like to take a gap year? It's really good for your mental health! No??? Gap years have been proven to help you with everything, across the board—motivation, GPA, focus. Are you sure you don't want one?
Okay, I hear you—but do you know anyone who might? I'm just giving these things out for free!! I have like, four hundred of them in my van. Maybe I could give you a few in case you change your mind-?!
I promise...I'm not being bankrolled by the Gap Year Lobby
A gap year refers to when a high school student who has already been accepted to a college they plan to attend—this is key—intentionally takes a year off between high school and college to do something else, be it paid employment, an internship, research, rest, travel, humanitarian work.
But here's the puzzle of gap years: it's possible that no one in the multiverse would have benefited from one more than me, yet I categorically refused to take one (I mean, they weren't really a thing back then, but had they been, I would have said thanks but no thanks), and nearly every student I talk with also refuses to even consider one.
In this week's video, I tackle the enduring mystery of gap years, and why the majority of US teenagers are as interested in them as they are in soft-boiled broccoli nuggets.
Highlights include:
✅ The tangible and intangible benefits of gap years for teenagers
✅ Why not all US colleges will easily grant a gap year for your student
✅ The real reason gap years haven't caught on more with students
Hope you find it helpful! And if you'd like to talk through gap years in real time, sign up for my free 15 minute phone consult here.
For families of high school juniors...
Now is an ideal time to start putting together an inspired college list. When you leave lots of time, the process can go from being stressful and chaotic to enlightening and fun. I promise!
Happy to help
I will be creating various workshops and courses in the coming months. If you have any specific feedback on what would be most helpful, please fill out my survey below! Big thanks to everyone who already given me some great ideas.
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