One study from Middlebury, for example, indicates that students who take a year off do better academically in terms of grades, even after controlling for demographics, test scores and entering grades.

“The benefits of taking a gap year are many and blend together across multiple areas. We have attempted to cut to the chase by sifting and sorting the benefits into statistically proven benefits and some of the less tangible benefits that more play a role in shaping the person. Taking a structured gap year invariably serves to develop the individual into a more focused student with a better sense of purpose and engagement in the world. From Joe O'Shea's book, Gap Year: How Delaying College Changes People in Ways the World Needs: "Some studies have looked at the academic performance of...

One study from Middlebury, for example, indicates that students who take a year off do better academically in terms of grades, even after controlling for demographics, test scores and entering grades.

“The benefits of taking a gap year are many and blend together across multiple areas. We have attempted to cut to the chase by sifting and sorting the benefits into statistically proven benefits and some of the less tangible benefits that more play a role in shaping the person. Taking a structured gap year invariably serves to develop the individual into a more focused student with a better sense of purpose and engagement in the world. From Joe O'Shea's book, Gap Year: How Delaying College Changes People in Ways the World Needs: "Some studies have looked at the academic performance of gap year students while in college...