By Elia & Sofia (Class of 2025)
TRANSLATE THIS CONTENT WITH THIS LINK.
Gap years are too often misunderstood. Some believe they are only for the privileged or a consequence of college rejection. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. A well-planned Gap Year offers valuable experiences that enhance university applications, develop key skills, and provide clarity about future studies and careers.
What Does a Gap Year Offer?
Gap Years are not just about taking time off; they are about learning by doing. Students can participate in:
- Internships to gain work experience
- Volunteering with NGOs to gain skills and bring change
- Language immersion programmes to build cultural understanding
- Travel and exchange programmes that create global connections
Many universities recognise the value of gap years and even encourage them. Students can also apply to colleges first and defer the start of education, ensuring their spot is secured while they take time to explore their interests. Here are some quotes from top-tier US universities:
Links to universities’ websites with these quotes:
- Harvard – Considering a Gap Year?
- Stanford – Deferring your enrollment?
- MIT – Can I take a gap year?
Debunking Myths – Q&A:
1. Will a gap year hurt my college application quality?
On the contrary, it can strengthen applications. Students who apply with final IB results (rather than predicted grades) may have a better chance at competitive universities.
2. Are there scholarships available for gap-year programmes?
Many programmes, including internships and volunteering opportunities, offer financial aid to support participants. Additionally, a number of organisations affiliated with UWC prefer students from our schools and offer additional support.
3. Will our University Guidance Counsellors at MUWCI support students after a gap year?
The school’s University Guidance Office fully supports students who apply to college after a gap year. All college scholarship opportunities, such as the Davis Scholarship, remain available.
4. What are the current second-year students saying about their reasons for taking Gap Year:
“I am taking a gap year because I want to start my college years well-rested. I hope to reflect more on myself and my goals in the coming year. Additionally, my grades and college applications will be stronger.”
– Diya, India (Class of 2025)
“Taking a gap year gives me the opportunity to explore my passion for dancing in a gap year program funded by the government.”
– Idun, Norway (Class of 2025)
“In my gap year I can focus more on my applications next year, and they will be stronger. Also my main reason is that I hope to explore and find my interests, and understand what I want to pursue.”
– Mathilde, Netherlands (Class of 2025)
“In my Gap Year, my first choice would be to travel across 10 countries with a cultural immersion program, affiliated with UWC. However, if it won’t work, I’ld love to gain some work experience, while further developing my skill in film making and research. I applied to colleges this year, and I plan to defer my start of education after securing my spot.”
– Sofia, Russia (Class of 2025)
Conclusion
There are a number of International internship and volunteer platforms online as well as websites for work and travel experiences. Additionally, all UWC students have a wonderful advantage: Our Global Alumni Network. UWC is a supportive and impressive community and we all have witnessed first-hand that a single message can open many doors to us. It is always worth reaching out to UWC alumni when you are in search of a gap year opportunity or accommodation when travelling.
Taking a gap year is not about delaying success—it’s about building a stronger foundation for the future. With the right planning and family support, it can be one of the most rewarding decisions a student makes.
Any questions left?
If you have any questions about the Gap Year programs that our university counsellor, alumni, or current students on gap year can answer, please fill out the following form. If we get many responses, we will be able to have an online session to answer them.
