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Step 12: Consider a gap year

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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gap year articles
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Take a gap year before college
A gap year between senior year of high school and freshman year of college can give you valuable experience. Some colleges even recommend taking time off! 03/11/2009
Mind the gap
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
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
  Chris Coons
Director of Undergraduate Admissions at Mercyhurst College in Erie, Pa. e-mail
   Humber College Institute of Technology & Advanced Learning
Contact the Admissions Department at Humber College in Toronto, ON e-mail
   University of the Incarnate Word
Contact the admissions department at University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio, TX. e-mail
  Kerra Strong
Admissions Counselor at William Penn University in Oskaloosa, Iowa. e-mail
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