Thinking About a Gap Year? Read This First

 
 

Maybe this year didn’t go the way you hoped. You poured your heart into your college applications, and your top-choice schools didn’t say yes. Now you’re wondering: What if I take a gap year, do something impressive, and try again next cycle?

You’re not alone. During the pandemic, thousands of students hit pause on college. And while that surge has faded, gap years are still very much a part of the conversation—especially at top-tier schools.

In fact, according to Princeton University’s Class of 2028 Frosh Survey, 7.4% of incoming students reported taking a gap year before enrolling in Fall 2024. Some of those students joined structured programs like the Novogratz Bridge Year. Others worked, traveled, or focused on personal growth. So yes, a gap year can be part of a successful path forward. But the real question is: Should you take one?

What Colleges Really Think About Gap Years

Let’s say you spend your gap year doing volunteer work or traveling abroad. That’s meaningful—but it’s not always enough.

Admissions officers are asking:

  • Have you stayed academically engaged?

  • Will you be ready for the pace and rigor of college?

  • Have you used your time to grow in ways that matter?

If the answer isn’t clear, a gap year might not strengthen your application—and in some cases, it may prompt more questions than confidence.

What You Can Do Instead (or Alongside)

If your top-choice school didn’t say yes, you still have powerful options:

  • Enroll at your best-fit school and thrive there. Do well in your classes, build strong relationships, and apply to transfer. This shows resilience, maturity, and momentum.

  • Consider a post-graduate (PG) year at a strong high school program. You’ll continue learning in a structured environment while building a stronger profile for reapplication.

Both paths keep your academic engine running—and that matters more than a headline-worthy project.

If You Do Take a Gap Year, Make It Count

A strong gap year isn’t just time off. It’s a launchpad—if used well.

Before committing, ask yourself:

  • Will I be learning or growing in a measurable way?

  • Do I have a clear structure and routine?

  • Will I be more confident, capable, and college-ready one year from now?

Colleges want to see clarity, purpose, and progress. Whether it’s through a job, internship, class, or program, your time should show personal and intellectual investment.

If you're considering taking time before college to pause, explore, or grow, you're not alone. A gap year can be valuable—but only if it's intentional.

At Ivy Link, we help students plan meaningful gap years that reflect their interests and goals. Whether you're hoping to work, volunteer, travel, or keep learning in a different way, we’ll help you structure your time so that it supports your personal growth and future college success. 

EJ (Elden Joie) Gonzales