Best Gap Year Programs?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Unless your kid has some really good reason (world-class sports training, charity/political goals, like the gun-control kids from Fla) a gap year is probably a bad idea for most.

NP: Why do you say this? Formal gap year programs (e.g. foreign exchange, service learning) give valuable experiences. Working can make you more motivated and ready for college. I think the gap year has potential to flip kids out of the high school mode into taking more initiative. Some kids need an extra year to grow up or some time away from school to appreciate it or just a little broader life experience. The only thing I would do is to apply now and get accepted to a college so she doesn't drift away from going altogether. Also, select a gap year program that has some reading/writing requirements and/or if she stays home and works have her enroll in a few community college courses to keep academic skills sharp.

Yes to these points! Good luck.
Thank goodness your child better after illness !!

[Anonymous]

OP, if you are Jewish-- there are several gap year programs that seek to build/enhance Jewish identity. A couple in the US (I think Tivnu is the name of one) and several in Israel.

[Anonymous]

DD actually had to sign something saying she wouldn’t take any classes at a degree-conferring institution during her gap year. Very clear instructions from the school.

[Anonymous]

Harvard has a college mandated gap year for those on some of its waitlist (z list). Same with Chicago. Not a bad deal for those focused on prestige to be able to say their stats were good enough for these schools. For harvard and Chicago, they wouldn’t have to report these underwhelming, under-performing students’ stats for their us news ranking game.