<p>Gap year. Gap year. Gap year.</p>
<p>I cannot say enough for taking a Gap year. Taking a Gap Year with a college admissions already done and a plan for after the year is even better. Not allowing a kid to drift during that year but forcing a non-academic, service oriented or job oriented plan is even better. </p>
<p>Some kids are just burned out and not ready to start college, even if they are very bright. A lot of growing up can happen during a Gap Year, and if a family can find a way to allow the kid to spread his wings while out of the house, then that can be a tremendous growth experience. </p>
<p>Let the growing happen BEFORE college grades are at stake. Let a college freshman be motivated to succeed, not a reluctant student because that is what everyone else is doing.</p>