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.

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	Murray State University Contact the Admissions Department at Murray State University in Murray, KY.
	Monique Cossich Director of Enrollment Management at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas.
	Wentworth Institute of Technology Contact the admissions at Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston, MA.
	Roberts Wesleyan College Contact the Admissions Department at Roberts Wesleyan College.
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	FindAGap.com Find gap year ideas, destinations and discounts
	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.
	GapAdvice.org Advice and information for students considering taking a gap year
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