<p>My S's college admit letter encouraged a gap year, I like the idea, he wasn't as enthused.</p>
<p>My son decided on a gap year after an ED admit and I was interested (and relieved) to find how supportive his college (Whitman) was about an admitted student making this decision. I wonder if the Reed stats in this article (10% of admits defer) is true at other LACs? </p>
<p>I've heard Harvard includes a letter to all admits endorsing the value of a year deferral. (I suppose they don't need to add the disclaimer about not using it for applying elsewhere....) The letter is worth reading if a gap year is of interest to you or your kid. (I've lost the link though; I'll post it later if I find it)</p>
<p>More than 30 years ago my mother tried to convince me to consider a year off before college and I thought she was trying to ruin my life. Now, I see much more clearly how (and why) it could have been a great thing--and I am having a good time vicariously so far</p>
<p>Thanks for the link, idad. Interesting article. (And always amazing to me to see Sewanee, my alma mater, in the news at the national level.) </p>
<p>I have known several kids well who have thought seriously about the gap year, usually because of burn-out or lack of clear direction about careers. Thus far none of them has done it. It takes a lot of self-knowledge and an inner strength to go against the tide and NOT go to college immediately, but I would bet a large number of kids would benefit from a gap year. Developing that sense of independence, possible when you make decisions for yourself as to work, travel, saving, etc., BEFORE going to college seems wise to me. </p>
<p>Wish I could take one right now! :)</p>