Anyone's kid do a year of service in the US and able to self-finance (e.g., AmeriCorps, City Year)?

It’s a good idea for anyone with a solid plan. I did one and benefited immensely. My daughter was planning to do one but had no real plans or idea what to do. So I was glad when she changed her mind and went straight to university.

Anonymous wrote:I'm all in favor of gap years, esp. for students who could use a bit more maturing to get the most out of college (academically and otherwise).

That said, only the richest students consider a gap year. Your kid gets marked by some as a dilettante by peers in the US. I don't know if that's different in the UK . . . .

I know kids who took gap years to earn money for college, or to help their family through challenging times, or to serve religious missions, so I don’t see them as just for rich kids.

I also don’t think that kids who have a lot of money suffer socially for it.

OP should just ask. Once the kid is accepted there is no harm in asking. Plenty of students take gap years in the US and most schools will say yes, but if they say no there was still no harm in asking.

Anonymous wrote:What’s the big deal? Just ask. Schools have a process/application for everything. If you are willing to bankroll Semester at Sea, start the process. The bigger question is why your child is hesitant to ask if she can have a gap year. It’s time for her to learn to assert herself. The worst that can happen is that they say no.

100%
It's a good life lesson to ask for what you want!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My son also wants to take a gap year. He wants to accept the offer to Pepperdine, but he is afraid they do not grant Gap years. When should he approach his admissions counselor with the question? Is there a strategy behind these requests? Or is it simply a yes or no answer?

Pepperdine seems easy- write you want to grow more in your faith then apply for at least one gap year adventure involving a religious foundation.

I dont think that is the case...from their website:

"Can I defer my admission to a future term?
Offers of admission are term-specific and cannot be applied for a future term. Pepperdine University does not have a policy allowing students to defer the term of their enrollment. If you would like to be considered for a future term, please review the reapplication process. Please note that reapplying does not guarantee admission or scholarships for a future term."

Why would these schools not want their students to take a gap year if they are paying? If it is good enough for HYP, why not Pepperdine?

We're from the UK too, both my DH and I took gap years so we know it's the norm. Your DD's plans sound excellent and worthwhile. I doubt she'll have a problem. Ignore any naysayers here, they are parochial and lack imagination.