What do colleges think about gap years?

So, I'm currently a junior and I've been thinking about taking a gap year before starting college. I'm just not sure how colleges view gap years and if it would hurt my chances of getting accepted. Any advice or experiences shared would be really appreciated!

Hey there! I understand your concerns about taking a gap year and how it might affect your college admissions. From my experience with my own child who took a gap year, I can tell you that many colleges are actually quite open to the idea. In fact, some even encourage it, as it allows students to gain real-world experience and mature before starting college. One important thing to remember is to have a clear plan for your gap year and be able to articulate how it will benefit you personally and academically. This will show colleges that you're not just taking a year off to relax but that you have a purpose and a goal for your time away from school. When you do apply, make sure to explain your gap year plans in your application and how it aligns with your long-term goals. My child had a great experience during their gap year and it actually made their college application stand out. Best of luck with your decision!