Those who participated in a gap year had, on average, shorter times to — Gap year

"Executive Summary... this study represents the most comprehensive exploration of gap year experiences of Americans to date. Highlights Include:"

"The general experience of “being in a new and different environment” was the most meaningful element of the overall gap year experience;"

"Gappers currently experience higher levels of job satisfaction and civic participation as compared to national norms..."

"Key characteristics of a transformative gap year: It is purposeful and practical, involving some element of service to others; it takes students out of their comfort zone, challenging them to learn new skills and try on new perspectives; it offers the right balance of autonomy and mentoring to help students build self-confidence and a sense of purpose; it is accessible to students from all economic backgrounds."

"For those who are thinking about taking a gap year, regardless of what stage in life they’re at, Amar encourages them to take the opportunity and go for it. “It can be difficult to make decisions about your career or indeed your life at 18 when the majority of your life experience has been in your hometown,” he says. ” Taking a gap year gives you a much needed break from education and allows you to re-charge and re-focus giving you a better and more rounded perspective on what you want to do... this applies to everyone.”"

"Having a wide range of experiences was also important;"