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Step 12: Consider a gap year

After 13 years of school (counting kindergarten), you might be ready to learn outside of a school-based environment. If you're feeling burnt out after high school, want to earn money to pay for college, or are just plain adventurous, consider taking a gap year. A gap year is when you take a year off between high school and college to pursue another interest.

In order to get all of the gap year benefits, it is a time you should spend actively, not just sitting around your parents' house. Use your gap year to increase your maturity, independence and self-esteem. For maximum gap year benefit, look into a structured gap year program. Your options are endless, so make your gap year count.

DATING
5/9/2008 1:03:08 PM

Sole-less
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JOB RESUME
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Life Period
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Gap years are gaining credibility as a way to explore the world before college. 03/09/2007
Gap Year—Are you ready to take a break?
If you need a break from school before starting college, start planning now for a "gap year" after graduation 08/07/2006
Ready, Set, Let Go!
Protecting your children from consequences in college doesn’t help them become independent adults 02/21/2005
Try out a career!
Intern, study abroad and try service learning to see if a major is a good match for you 11/09/2004
  Admissions Department
Contact the admissions department at University at Albany, State University of New York. e-mail
  Gary D. Praetzel, Ph.D.
Dean of the College of Hospitality & Tourism Management at Niagara University in Niagara, New York. e-mail
  Herzing College
Contact the admissions department at Herzing College in Madison, Wis. e-mail
  Timothy Lee
Director of Admissions at Hilbert College in Hamburg, NY e-mail
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