<p>I have seen alot of talk about gap years in the posts that I've been reading the past 2 days, and I wanted to share my concerns with jumping into a Gap year.</p>
<p>Xiggi's post makes it clear that large numbers of highly qualified students were rejected this year because there wasn't room to accept all of the exceptional candidates applying. And the large coherts applying to college from the echo baby boom will still be a factor in college decisions next year.</p>
<p>Students who take a gap year and go through the admissions process again are at risk of finding themselves in the same situation next year that they are in right now. </p>
<p>I am aware of the wonderful ending for AndiSon, and a gap year may be a good solution if it is very carefully thought out. But part of what worked for him was changing his ideas about where to apply. The second time around, he added the kind of colleges to his list that some of the posters talking about gap years this year have already been accepted to.</p>
<p>That said, my neice had always planned to defer admission for a year and participate in a program abroad. It was a wonderful opportunity and she started college this year with maturity and a sense of purpose that were missing after graduation. So I know that there are many good reasons to take a gap year. </p>
<p>I would just caution, that if you're thinking about a gap year, make sure that you are going into it for the right reasons, and not to buy a second try at admission to a lottery school.</p>
<p>Check implications for health insurance under your parents' policy. You could get cut off if you are not a student anymore. You need to have some sort of insurance. If you are going overseas, make sure that you have insurance that will cover you overseas. For many locations, look into travelers medical insurance that will pick up most of the cost of getting you to somewhere with a good health care system.</p>
<p>If you have private scholarships, look into whether you can defer them.</p>
<p>If you are going to school overseas during your gap year, be aware that many state financial aid programs and private scholarships can't be used overseas.</p>
<p>Deferring admission for a year and taking a "gap year" are two different things. The student who defers admission isn't going through the admissions process again; she already knows where she's going to college. She can do what she wants with her year without worrying about whether it will "improve her chances" at some other school.</p>
<p>Those suggesting a gap year are those who aren't satisfied with their acceptances (or who didn't get any). They're looking at the gap year to enhance their future applications, and not necessarily because they have a burning passion or even interest in doing something.</p>
<p>Be sure you know which option you're following.</p>
<p>Our guidance department told us that the H.S. class of 2009 will have the greatest number of college applicants, and then it begins to drop off. So the next two years will be even more competitive. I'd imagine a gap year would have to be rather extraordinary to guarantee a change of outcome. Do it for the right reasons.</p>