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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	Wentworth Institute of Technology Contact the admissions at Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston, MA.
	Upper Iowa University Contact the admissions department at Upper Iowa University in Fayette, IA.
	University of Phoenix-Arizona Contact the admissions department at the University of Phoenix in Arizona.
	Nancee Clark Director, PreCollege Perspective at Ringling College of Art and Design, PreCollege Perspective.
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	GapYear.com Start planning your gap year and read about other students' gap year experiences.
	Gap-Year.com Everything you need to plan your gap year
	FindAGap.com Find gap year ideas, destinations and discounts
	GapAdvice.org Advice and information for students considering taking a gap year
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