Interim
(GAP) Year
Many
students consider the idea of trying different kinds of learning for the year
after high school. These can be students who have applied to college but are
not ready to attend, or students who may apply to college for the first time
after they have had a chance to explore more options for education focus.
Interim years can provide valuable skills in maturity, independent
living, employment, community service, and/or travel. There are now many programs
for interim years if students do not want to create their own structures.
Even
if a student knows well ahead of time that an interim year is possible, we
recommend going through the college application process during senior year
and choosing a college. Then to defer, send the confirmation deposit before
May1 along with a letter stating that you will enter college a year later.
The deposit will hold your place.
Benefits
Colleges
appreciate students who have taken an interim year because usually those students
arrive on campus with experience, focus, and maturity that contributes positively
to academic and social endeavors.
Risks
1)
Colleges cannot extend their financial aid offers past the upcoming academic
year, so parents need to reapply for financial aid during the interim year
and there is a chance that the new financial aid offer will be different than
the original one.
2)
Some parents worry that if their student does not go straight to college,
the motivation for going to college will diminish. That does happen sometimes.
However, on the flip side, if a student is not ready to handle college but
goes anyway and then drops out, there can be significant emotional and financial
expenses.
We
encourage families to consider the possibilities of an interim year, even
if the student decides in the end to attend college right after high school.
The ability to consider options and then make the best choice is a
life skill we want all our students to practice.
VSAC
Pathfinder:
Alternatives to College
(Refer
to the VSAC website for updated/more information at www.vsac.org)
Books - Search our catalog online at http://follettweb.vsac.org:9000/webopac/main?siteid=1.
Patrons may borrow books either by coming to the Resource Center in downtown
Winooski or by making an interlibrary loan request through their local school
or public library.
-
Back Door Guide to Short-Term Job Adventures:
Internships, Summer Jobs, Seasonal Works, Volunteer Vacations, and Transitions
Abroad (2005) Call # 650.14 Landes
-
International Workcamp Directory (2006)
Call # 331.128 VFP
-
Sail Tall Ships!: A Directory of Sail Training
and Adventure at Sea (2000) Call # 790.01 ASTA
-
Teaching English Abroad: Teach Your Way
Around the World (2006) Call # 428.007 Griffith
-
The Uncollege Alternative: Your Guide to
Incredible Careers and Amazing Adventures Outside College (2000) Call #
331.7 Wood
-
Work Your Way Around the World (2005) Call
# 428.007 Griffith
-
You’re Certifiable: The Alternative
Career Guide to More Than 700 Certificate Programs, Trade Schools, and Job
Opportunities (1999) Call # 378.013 Natalfi
