Collegiate Times

More Americans than ever before are receiving a higher-level education, but trends show that more high school graduates are taking a year off before beginning their college careers.

Although statistics are rare regarding exact numbers of students who ask to be deferred or simply wait a year to apply to college, the percentage is on the rise according to various sources. The Boston Globe reported in May 2005 that Bob Gilpin, then President of Time-Out Associates in Mitton, answered twice as many questions regarding a break between high school and college in the spring of 2005 than in the previous three of four years. Common reasons for partaking in the "gap year" are to perform community service, travel, join the military, or simply regain strength after a rough senior year.

"Sometimes it's due to personal situations at home," said Amy Widner, public relations coordinator for undergraduate admissions. "Some people just need extra time."

Widner could not confirm any statistics regarding the matter, but she stated that every year a few admitted students request deferment. Tech only asks for a written statement explaining the student's choice to take a break.

"As long as we've admitted the student and he or she has taken no additional coursework, his or her admission is honored for a year," Widner said.

Tech is not the only university that respects such a decision.

William Fitzsimmons, Harvard dean of admissions and financial aid, along with two other Harvard faculty members wrote an article posted on the college's admissions website explaining the gap year concept. Harvard has asked admitted students for over 30 years to consider deferring enrollment for a year in their letter of admission. Typically, about 50-70 incoming Harvard students agree to wait each year.

According to the report, "Harvard's overall graduation rate of 97 percent is among the highest in the nation, perhaps in part because so many students take time off,"

Many other nations also promote the gap year, holding fast to the belief that time off promotes the betterment of the individual and his or her future college academics. In England, nearly all college students take a yearlong hiatus after graduating from high school. Canadian students also frequently participate in the trend. However, some still have their doubts about this practice.

"I think it would probably be difficult to take a year off from the hustle and bustle of school where you have homework every night and you're used to doing that... it's just harder to get back into the routine of things," said Kelley McCall Blacksburg High School guidance counselor.

McCall believes the personality of a student determines whether the move would be beneficial to their future.

"I think it depends on the kid. I mean, some will definitely go back to school and some will not. It definitely depends on how driven they are," McCall said.

James Connors, a 20-year-old freshman communication major, was able to pick up where he left off virtually seamlessly after enjoying his gap year.

"I felt burnt out from all the work I was putting into high school and decided that a year off would be the best way to get my priorities straight. My sister had also taken time off during her college career, and it proved to be a great move academically," said Connors, who deferred from both Tech and Pennsylvania State University his senior year.

Connors, who graduated from Conestoga High School in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, took advantage of his extra time. He worked at his father's company, Remcon Plastics, over the summer and into the fall, and took a course in New Zealand at the National Outdoor Leadership School beginning in late February. He does not regret a second spent away from textbooks and lectures last year.

"It was definitely the right step for me, and I feel great being at Virginia Tech at this point in time," Connors said. "I would just recommend to those feeling overwhelmed or just not ready for this step to take some time for themselves. It shouldn't be engrained in students' minds that high school should immediately be followed by college."