Gap Year Articles

Harvard Dean Says That Gap Years Add Up

17 Jun 2010

William Fitzsimmons, dean of admissions and financial aid at Harvard, believes that most students feel that a gap year's financial value "can never be measured and will pay dividends for the rest of their lives", and "virtually all would do it again."

A study by an independent college advisor at the Charlotte Observer has indicated the various advantages of taking a gap year. Lee Brierer, the author, highlighted the fact that "Gap students find themselves thrust into new situations, making decisions and interacting with new people all the time". Brierer's article investigates the increased confidence that gap year travellers return with - often having matured in ways they had not anticipated. It looks into the changed attitude that they return with. Many students, Brierer writes, find that they "know themselves better", have a greater appreciation of the opportunities available to them and are more focused and excited about learning.

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