<p>Old1, this could be a “problem” caused by the method of reporting the data. I looked on Andover’s website, and it claimed that each year, some 15 to 20 students from the graduating class choose to take a gap year. ([Phillips</a> Academy - Gap Year Opportunities Office](<a href=“http://www.andover.edu/Academics/CollegeCounseling/GapYear/Pages/default.aspx]Phillips”>http://www.andover.edu/Academics/CollegeCounseling/GapYear/Pages/default.aspx)) If a school reports students’ colleges, but doesn’t include a line for “gap year”, a school could seem to be stronger or weaker on college placement if the Gap Year Factor isn’t accounted for.</p>
<p>^^But don’t some (or most) of the students in the top BS who choose to take a “gap year” have gone through the college application process and maybe committed to a college of their choice? I remember ThacherParent’s S took a gap year after accepting a college offer (or was it someone else? If so sorry TParent)</p>
<p>Not necessarily. Many don’t apply first and defer. Some take the time off so they’re thinking more clearly about their options.</p>
<p>Periwinkle: I am just comparing the same annual numbers from the school in the same publication over various years. I do not think this is a data interpretation question. There has never before been more than a couple identified without college plans. These 11 all graduated so it does not appear to be a discipline issue. Also, the annual report wasn’t published until the following November, so all waitlists should have been resolved. I don’t know the reason and would love to hear from someone who does.</p>