The Gap-I'm not talking clothes
Did you know that an estimated 40% of college freshman chose a gap year in 2020? Gap years can be very worthwhile and filled with intentional activities resulting in personal growth, clarity of direction, and confidence. They can also be anxiety provoking and overwhelming. COVID weirdness has not only spurred students to choose a year away from school, but also are leaving them a bit perplexed about what to do with said year. Getting a plan of growth for a whole year can seem daunting, especially during a global pandemic, but it can be done.
Let’s make sure we are all on the same page about what a gap year is. A gap year is not a blow off year students lacking clarity fall into because they can’t make up their mind. (Um, it can be-I guess I should say a gap year shouldn’t be that.) In fact, Harvard actually encourages students to defer their enrollment and take a gap year. They find a gap year beneficial- if the student is spending their year engaged in meaningful activities. The key word here is MEANINGFUL. A gap year should include meaningful activities such as exploring other cultures, gaining work experience, giving back to the community, finding your passions, or engaging in non-traditional education experiences.
This year-more than others-has created a challenge. More students than ever are deciding to take a gap year, yet there are more restrictions on what’s possible due to COVID-19. Getting a plan during a time that will go down in history as the time you couldn’t plan can be pretty stressful. If you are having a hard time wrapping your head around how to be strategic with your year, here are some points to keep you on track:
Be intentional. A meaningful gap year experience typically doesn’t result by just grabbing something to fill your time. Think about what you want the outcomes of your gap year to be. Where can you grow? Get outside your comfort zone? Learn?
Do some research. Even with COVID-19 restrictions, there are many safe and viable options out there for your gap year. Organizations are reaching out for help, reworking their designs to be remote friendly, and navigating COVID-19 nuances- just like you.
A plan is one thing, executing is another. Once you have an idea what kind of year you want to have, make sure you have a plan of how you will go about it, meet your goals, make progress, etc.
Communicate your experience in an amazing way on college applications. Colleges want to see that you have made great use of your gap year to mature, gain experience, and explore your authentic self. Telling that story can be tricky-put some good thought into it.
Contact Bloom.. Having a team of coaches who can help you identify what is important to you, design your vision, execute with accountability, and connect your experience to your college application can make your world feel so much better. We’re here to help and would love you in our tribe.