WHAT ARE THE GAP YEAR OPTIONS?

Here are some of the choices available:

Travel, study, or internship. Taking Off and The Center for Interim Programs, LLC both offer a variety of educational opportunities such as study abroad, interning with an artist, working with children, or the environment.

Post high school year at prep school, such as Bridgton Academy in North Bridgton, Maine or Northfield Mount Herman Academy in Deerfield, Massachusetts.

Volunteering through the American Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity, or the AmeriCorps National Community Conversation Corps. (See article, pg. 7.)

Trade/technical school, such as the Brian Utting School of Massage, Ranken Technical College in St. Louis or The Harrisburg University of Science and Technology.

A real job. An hourly wage job can teach a teen a great deal about how the world actually works. And teens with special skills or interests may luck out with a position that uses their skills. Other kids work in an effort to help finance a program they're interested in.

BUT WILL A YEAR OFF HURT THEIR CHANCES

Naturally, anxious parents can't help but think their kids might "lose their edge" if they delay college. But in fact, over 3,000 colleges and universities (including Harvard) feel that a well-planned year off means a better student.

Choosing time off is not a choice against college. And it's not for everyone. But it's hard to find a gap year student who will tell you it didn't help make them a better and more motivated person. Sometimes, the path to growing up is the one less traveled-but that's for you and your teen to decide.

Babysitting is a great choice for all young teens. It can help build problem-solving skills-not only with the kids they're sitting for, but with the parents as well.

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Issue: November 2007