Why a Gap Year Before College May Pay Off

By Nicole Young on June 11, 2024

Deciding where to go to college — particularly if a student is deferred or wait-listed — can trigger significant anxiety during an already stressful time for students and their parents. After all, this is a pivotal life moment for young adults as they leap from their childhood roles into independence and self-discovery, while making decisions that will impact their careers, friendships and fulfillment.

Given the weight of this moment, it’s perhaps not surprising that U.S. high school graduates are increasingly deciding to take a gap year (i.e., a year off between high school and college) — albeit still at significantly lower rates than in Europe, the U.K. and other parts of the world.

But what are the pros and cons of this practice? More time for reflection sounds nice, but what do you give up? How might universities and future employers perceive this decision? What is the feedback from those who have been through it?

To answer these questions and more, we spoke to Julia Roberts, the founder of EnRoute Consulting. Roberts was inspired to form her consulting practice by the idea that more young Americans should engage in service work and travel as a way of learning about themselves and the world around them.

Here are some insights she provided:

One silver lining of the pandemic was offering many students the opportunity to step back and make more intentional decisions about college and their careers.
As demonstrated by surveys, the benefit of a gap year is twofold: improved career and academic outcomes as well as personal enrichment.
It is important to approach a gap year in an intentional and structured manner.
Many students break gap years into seasons so that they may pursue multiple opportunities.
In most instances, a lack of information, rather than a distaste for the concept, prevent students from pursuing — and parents from supporting — a gap year.

For more insights, including examples of how students have successfully spent their year off, watch “The Ultimate Investment: How a Gap Year Before College Can Pay Off in the Long Run.” Also, please know that you can reach out to us at any point during this journey. Decisions around college can be extremely stressful for students and parents alike, and we are here to help with the financial implications and beyond.

Listen to the Webcast

Private Vista, LLC is a group comprised of investment professionals registered with Hightower Advisors, LLC, an SEC registered investment adviser. Some investment professionals may also be registered with Hightower Securities, LLC (member FINRA and SIPC). Advisory services are offered through Hightower Advisors, LLC. Securities are offered through Hightower Securities, LLC.

This is not an offer to buy or sell securities, nor should anything contained herein be construed as a recommendation or advice of any kind. Consult with an appropriately credentialed professional before making any financial, investment, tax or legal decision. No investment process is free of risk, and there is no guarantee that any investment process or investment opportunities will be profitable or suitable for all investors. Past performance is neither indicative nor a guarantee of future results. You cannot invest directly in an index.

These materials were created for informational purposes only; the opinions and positions stated are those of the author(s) and are not necessarily the official opinion or position of Hightower Advisors, LLC or its affiliates (“Hightower”). Any examples used are for illustrative purposes only and based on generic assumptions. All data or other information referenced is from sources believed to be reliable but not independently verified. Information provided is as of the date referenced and is subject to change without notice. Hightower assumes no liability for any action made or taken in reliance on or relating in any way to this information. Hightower makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, as to the accuracy or completeness of the information, for statements or errors or omissions, or results obtained from the use of this information. References to any person, organization, or the inclusion of external hyperlinks does not constitute endorsement (or guarantee of accuracy or safety) by Hightower of any such person, organization or linked website or the information, products or services contained therein.

Click here for definitions of and disclosures specific to commonly used terms.