It seems like the idea of “taking a gap year” is growing in popularity among homeschoolers.  A gap year is a period of time (usually between 6 months and a year in length) where the high school graduate takes a job or does some volunteer work to gain experience before beginning their college career.

Gap Year policies varies WIDELY between colleges.  Some colleges say if you take one, you may be considered a transfer. Other colleges (including Ivy League colleges) will admit you, give you great scholarships, ENCOURAGE you to take a gap year, and STILL allow you to have your scholarships and freshman status when you return!  Unfortunately, any specific advice I give on this subject will be incomplete.  Your best bet it to contact three or four colleges that your child would MOST like to go to, and ask them specifically about their gap year information.  Remember too that their policies can change from year to year.  Also, be careful to get assurance that the policy they quote you is “grandfathered” and will not change if your student leaves for a year!

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