How to Write a College Deferral Letter for a Gap Year by GYA admin Photo: Where There Be Dragons With college decisions looming, many high school seniors are weighing their options and trying to decide what their post-graduation life will look like. Let’s start this conversation by talking about some numbers from GYA’s 2020 National Alumni Survey, which analyzed responses from 1,190 gap year alumni across the United States: 97% of gap year alumni reported an increase in maturity and self-confidence as a result of their gap year experience 84% of gap year alumni reported an increase in academic motivation…
Growth & Development
Why Taking a Gap Year Matters by GYA Admin Why does taking a Gap Year Matter? The benefits of taking a Gap Year are many and blend together across multiple areas. Taking a structured Gap Year invariably serves to develop the individual into a more focused student with a better sense of purpose and engagement in the world. From Joe O’Shea’s book, Gap Year: How Delaying College Changes People in Ways the World Needs: “Some studies have looked at the academic performance of gap year students while in college. In Australia and the United Kingdom, economic researchers found that high…
Exploring the World & Myself: Why I’m Taking a Gap Year by Sophia de Bruin Everyone has different reasons for taking a gap year – whether it be simply a need for adventure and travel or a break from school. Preparing to begin my Gap Year has caused me to reflect on the reasons I decided to initially embark upon this crazy adventure. Like many things, my decision to take a Gap Year started with high school. I’ll be honest – high school was not at all an easy or enjoyable time in my life. While I did make some…
The Importance of Journaling on Your Gap Year by Megan Lee Journaling: kind of like keeping a diary, but with less entries revolving around unrequited love or that start with “Sorry for not writing, I’ve been really busy…”. However, a journal isn’t necessarily meant for grown ups, or for grown up things, either. In fact, your journal can be a useful tool on that epic journey towards “adulthood.” While you’re on your Gap Year, it can also be a helpful place for processing, documenting, and occasionally venting, too. Here’s what you need to know about why your packing list should…
Reverse Culture Shock: Why Does Everything Feel Weird Now? by Megan Lee Why Does Everything Feel Weird Now? You’re back. It’s been a whirlwind. Your mom and dad greeted you tearfully at the airport (only this time they were happy tears instead of sad ones). Grandpa swept you up in a big bear hug. Your friends went berserk at the sight of you, and you’ve had a wonderful time catching up, laughing, stuffing your face, and generally settling back into your old, familiar, friendly community. But then you wake up one morning, and it hits you: Did that gap year…