The Rise of Gap Years Post-Pandemic

In the wake of the pandemic, many young people are now considering taking gap years between high school and college instead of rushing into further education.

Evan Collins, a 19-year-old from Boxford, Massachusetts, found this option appealing after being homeschooled. He feels comfortable with the various educational avenues he’s explored.

“I wasn’t in a rush to go to college because, honestly, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do,” he mentioned. “People often realize there’s no need to rush. How many times do you hear, ‘I wish I had done that when I was your age?’”

Collins graduated in 2024 and is nearing the end of his gap year with the Interim Program Center. He embarked on cultural exchanges in Patagonia, Chile, and later interned as a co-manager at the Academy of Football in Cape Town, South Africa.

“I aimed for an internship in a hopeful field, and at least by figuring out what I didn’t want to do, I felt I’d be successful,” he explained. “I didn’t want to invest a lot in education that might not be right for me.”

This experience clarified that he truly wants to pursue a career in sports management, and he plans to start studying this subject at Crestpoint University in September.

Reflecting on his gap year, Collins believes it fostered more personal growth than his school years did. “It challenged me to step outside my comfort zone, and I had to face it,” he remarked. “I’ve grown a ton—more in eight months than I did throughout high school.”

“Sure, you need a solid plan at the start of the year, but I wouldn’t say it’s just about taking a year off,” he added.

Collins is among a growing number of young individuals choosing to take a break before pursuing higher education.

While precise national data on gap years is limited, the Gap Year Association noted a rise in participation from 1.8% to 4.9% during the pandemic, stabilizing at 2.6% for the class of 2023.

Gap years have surged in popularity since the pandemic, according to Christopher Lim, a boutique college admissions counselor. He told the Post, “I’ve seen exponential growth in students seeking gap year experiences.”

Lim estimates that around one in four clients opt for some kind of gap year, noting that even students not directly working with him on college applications are looking for tailored gap year experiences.

He’s seen strong support for gap years from institutions like Princeton and Tufts University, among others.

Seventeen-year-old Hudson Junger is concluding his gap year as he prepares to return to school. Living in Richmond, Rhode Island, he chose to take a fourth year off after working as an apprentice at a marina.

“I got accepted to several universities but wasn’t too excited about them,” he shared. “I was uncertain whether I wanted to dive into college or just start working. I took until April to make my decision.”

While his family was supportive, he faced some judgment from peers. “I did well in school. I could go to college, yet many would say, ‘That’s cool for you.’”

During his year off, Junger took on another apprenticeship at the marina and worked full-time as a mechanic. He also completed a marine systems program at the IYRS School of Technology and Trades.

“I wanted to figure out if I could see myself working as a mechanic and what financial prospects were out there,” he explained. “Spending four years in college and the associated costs is a significant decision for me.”

After hands-on experiences, Junger decided to study mechanical engineering at the University of Rhode Island.

He feels his gap year has granted him a more grounded outlook on life. “I understand the working world better now than if I had gone directly to college,” he said. “I think I’ll appreciate my time at university much more compared to many of my friends.”

Kaylin Krumper, 19, from Ontario, opted for a gap year instead of diving straight into college applications. “All my friends posted about their fun times at college, and I admit I felt a bit frustrated at first, but eventually, I accepted my choice,” she shared.

Krumper is interested in entering the medical field and recognized the importance of gaining real-world experience prior to her studies. Throughout her gap year, she worked as a chiropractic health assistant, a landscape architect, and even held side jobs at McDonald’s.

“Managing three jobs made me realize that if I didn’t return to education, I’d need to maintain this workload to support myself,” she noted.

Throughout the year, Krumper received acceptance letters from Fanshawe College. She gained clarity about her career interests, recognizing that physiotherapy wasn’t her path, while nursing seemed like a better fit.

“Taking a gap year is a smart choice for anyone unsure about their future plans,” she concluded. “My confidence has grown significantly, especially knowing I’ll be moving out of my family’s home.”

She has observed that gap years have become more accepted among younger students since her own graduation. “When I graduated, it was uncommon, but now it’s popular among younger groups.”

Alex Weldon considers his gap year pivotal for his success in college and for aiding his mental health after a difficult final year due to the pandemic.

“Being a Covid graduate wasn’t easy. I struggled mentally and felt stuck at home,” shared Weldon, 21, from Brandon, Mississippi. “So I decided to work before attending college to clear my mind.”

After graduating in 2021, he took a job in fine dining but grew tired of the long hours and lack of fulfillment. He then embarked on a year of adventure, hiking, climbing, and whitewater rafting through Warriors Adventure Academy in South Africa.

“The experience boosted my confidence,” he said. “I realized high school could have been easier if I’d been more committed. Now, I have a newfound passion for learning and self-improvement.”

A sophomore, Weldon believes his time off rejuvenated his mindset. He barely passed high school and is now excelling in biological sciences, with aspirations for veterinary or medical school, crediting his growth to his gap year.

Patrick Weldon, father of Alex, noted the positive transformation in his son. “As his dad, I can assure you this experience has greatly benefited him. He’s come back different—more mature and surrounded by a new wisdom that’s rare for someone so young.”