We’re two admissions leaders working to reframe how families and institutions think about the gap year. I’m Carol, a former college admissions dean with more than 20 years in higher education, and I’m ...

Gap years are often a sign of privilege. It’s true. Media coverage of Malia Obama’s decision to take a gap year before college has brought a new level of attention and scrutiny to gap years in the US.

Since the pandemic upended students’ educational paths, more and more young people have opened their minds up to taking a gap year between high school and college. Taking time off felt natural for ...