<p>Hello again parents! I posted a thread recently about UMD vs. Northwestern which some of you were so kind to respond to :). My parents have recently informed me that there is more to their decision than finances - they think that I am not ready to be away from home. They said I will not be attending Northwestern in the Fall. So, I suggested a second option which was recieved very well by both of them. Finances aside, I now have two options:</p>
<p>1.) Defer admission to Northwestern and take a gap year, then attend Fall 2008
2.) Attend Maryland Fall 2007</p>
<p>I know many of you parents are advocates of gap years. What sorts of things can I do during my gap year to "mature"? I have already considered applying for AmeriCorps.</p>
<p>What sorts of things should factor into this decision? What do I need to do from here to move forward? I currently feel slightly overwhelmed!</p>
<p>Break up the Gap year to three or four three month segments.</p>
<p>The, with your parents, make up a list of 100 things to do. The list could range from : get a job as a clerk in town to study mandarin in Beijing for college credit to take a summer course in fashion at Parsons in Manhattan (screename?). You can earn the money to send yourself on one of the trips.</p>
<p>I recommend at least one of those slots be an academic program to keep your studying skills somewhat in place.</p>
<p>Once you have your list, then try to whittle it down to three amazing opportunities you might never get a chance to do again.</p>
<p>WOW! Some of those placements at gapyear.com look FUN. However, I do not know how I can show an improvement in maturity to my parents if I'm away from home for so long. Maybe some of those paid opportunities would be great for the last three month segment.</p>
<p>You're funny. Your parents will see that you are grown up by your ability to handle yourself on those placements. They will see that you've grown up when you come back home.</p>
<p>If you put together a plan with three gap segments, 100 things you'd like to do and a plan on how you are going to finance it--you're parents will fall out of their chairs.</p>
<p>Dream big, kid. That's the mature thing to do. ;)</p>
<p>First, ask your folks to guide you re: conversing with the admissions process at Northwestern to make sure you choose a gap year that they'll permit. Most colleges will, and it might be as easy as checking online for their forms and deadlines. You might have to accept them and put in a deposit to hold your spot in case the gap year arrangements don't come together. Perhaps even the process of researching the gap year will demonstrate some maturity (although I hope you find something that both the college and your folks approve). Be sure that your folks aren't playing games here and really support
your gap year research as it develops. Sit with them or report in from the computer to make sure you're all on the same page here. I wouldn't want them to support a gap year in theory, but then shoot down every choice and so you'll end up at Maryland after all. I'm not saying your folks are like this, but I have seen parents set up straw arguments and when the kid handles the challenge they come up with a new obstacle...</p>
<p>Anyway, also use the search words "gap year" on CC. Don't reinvent the wheel. There are already many tips, leads, wisdom on CC re: gap year.</p>
<p>Consider this research process your first chance to take charge of your situation, do the research, bring your parents in as team players/partners as you learn of opportunities. But take the lead.</p>
<p>Good luck.</p>
<p>I also agree with "cheers"-- the growing up is demonstrated when you return home, initiate household chores rather than debate them, etc. That part will work itself out.</p>