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.

advertise with Next Step

	Hofstra University Contact the Admissions Department at Hofstra University in Hempstead, NY.
	Chris Beiswanger Director of Admissions Recruitment and Admissions Counseling at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs
	Michigan State University Contact the Admissions Department at Michigan State University in East Lansing, MI
	Christine  Casalinuo-Adams Admissions Counselor at Monroe Community College in Rochester, New York.
	Meet more experts >>

	GapAdvice.org Advice and information for students considering taking a gap year
	Gap-Year.com Everything you need to plan your gap year
	GapYear.com Start planning your gap year and read about other students' gap year experiences.
	FindAGap.com Find gap year ideas, destinations and discounts
	See more links >>