University Gap Years
If you wonder whether any American university supports the idea of a gap year, which is that year taken by some students between high school and further education, then you need look no further than Harvard. Yes, you heard right. Harvard not only supports young people taking the break, but for about 35 years has actually suggested it when sending out acceptance letters. Back in 2000, the Dean of Admissions, William Fitzsimmons, wrote an article about gap year work. He suggested that students’ lives have been so regimented and geared toward getting into the “right school” that they need time to repair “burn out” before launching into their post-secondary education.
Harvard isn’t the only institution to approve of a gap year either. Both Princeton and Yale are content with students taking the break before starting their studies. Yale has always allowed its students to defer entrance for a year, although, unlike either Harvard or Princeton, it hasn’t actively encouraged the practice. The philosophy at Yale is that students can decide for themselves what they want, and the school doesn’t get involved. Princeton, on the other hand, has set up its own program for sending students on service trips. But all three of these ivory towers of learning are onside when it comes to the gap year.
Those who feel that a gap year might lead a student not to return to school at all may be surprised by the result of Harvard’s approach. As of 2000, statistics show that of all students, about 20% had taken a year’s break, either before their program courses began, or while it was in progress. Yet 97% of Harvard’s students graduated from the university. Yale’s numbers weren’t quite as high, but that might be because that school doesn’t actively encourage students to take the gap year.
Judging by the attitudes of Harvard, Princeton and Yale, neither parents nor other schools should worry much about students taking a gap year. Indeed, if the Harvard attitude is correct, then students might benefit from this break, repairing the burn out so many feel by the time they’ve finished public school. If they can take a year off, make their own decisions, and spread their wings a bit, then they’re much more likely to come back refreshed and mentally ready at last to start university.
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