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23 May 2024

7 minutes read

How To Write A Personal Statement Example If You Take A Gap Year

Dirghayu Kaushik

Key Takeaways

• Highlight how your gap year experiences, volunteering and internships, have prepared you for your chosen course.
• Focus on personal growth and development to show admissions tutors your readiness for university.
• Clearly reflect your experiences to keep the reader engaged and demonstrate your commitment.
• Regularly review your personal statement to ensure clarity and alignment with your career aspirations.
• Use real-life examples to make your personal statement relatable, showcasing your unique journey.

Taking a gap year can be an experience of a lot of ups and downs but it will allow you to gain valuable skills and perspectives that can enhance your personal statement. Many students find that a well-spent gap year can make their application stand out to admissions tutors. Whether you choose to volunteer, travel, or gain work experience, these activities can provide rich content for your personal statement.

Writing a personal statement after a gap year involves highlighting how your experiences have prepared you for your chosen subject. Admissions tutors look for insightful reflections and relevant qualifications, so it’s crucial to re-read your statement multiple times to ensure it aligns with your UCAS application and coursework. With the right approach, your personal statement can effectively convey your enthusiasm for the next step in your academic journey.

In this guide, we have shared expert tips for writing a good personal statement that can help you in your application process and even in your placements.

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• 4 Benefits if you take a gap year 

Taking a gap year can offer numerous advantages, not only for your personal growth but also for your academic and career prospects. Here are four key benefits that can make your personal statement stand out and enhance your overall application:

Enhanced Personal Statement

Believe it when you write your statement, you’ll be surprised at how your experiences outside the classroom can impress admissions tutors. Make sure to include everything you’ve done that’s related to the course you’re applying for. Reflecting on how you’ve gained work experience and developed key skills will keep the admission officers engaged and demonstrate your commitment to your chosen career.

Career Prospects

Taking a gap year in your personal statement can show that you’ve entered this phase with a plan. Don’t go into your gap year without considering your future career path. By gaining relevant work experience or volunteering in health and social care, for example, you’re looking to develop skills that will benefit you at the degree level and beyond. These experiences can highlight your career aspirations and make you a more attractive candidate in the application process.

Personal Growth

You’ve taken the initiative to step outside the traditional school or college path, which can be a significant talking point in your personal statement. Discussing how you’ve encountered different cultures or developed interpersonal skills can make your statement not just a list of qualifications but a narrative of personal development. This approach can help you go into more detail about your interest in the course and show how your gap year has prepared you for study at university.

Fresh Perspective

Returning from a gap year with fresh eyes allows you to read your personal statement more critically. It’s best to re-read your statement to ensure it aligns with your career aspirations and includes all relevant skills and experiences. Don’t write your personal statement in a rush; take the time to review spelling and grammar meticulously. This careful attention to detail can be the difference in convincing admissions tutors to offer you a place.

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• Expert tips to write a personal statement

When it comes to applying to universities, it is advisable to listen to the experts first because they have been in the industry for a while and it is likely that at some point they also had the same problem. Here are five expert tips to help make your statement stand out and reflect your unique experiences and aspirations.

Highlight Relevant Experiences

When you write your statement, it’s best to include everything you’ve done that’s pertinent to the course you’re applying for. Whether you’ve gained work experience in health and social care or developed interpersonal skills through volunteering, showcasing these activities can demonstrate your commitment and readiness for study at university. This approach keeps the reader engaged and highlights your suitability for the chosen career.

Reflect on Your Gap Year

If you’ve taken a gap year, make sure to mention it in your personal statement. A gap year could provide a wealth of experiences that can enhance your application. Discuss how you’ve entered different cultures, developed key skills, and taken the initiative to pursue relevant work experience. These insights can go into more detail about your career aspirations and show that your gap year was spent productively.

Showcase Personal Growth

Your personal statement isn’t just a list of qualifications; it should reflect your personal growth. Discussing experiences outside the classroom, such as extracurricular activities or travel, can make your statement more relatable and engaging. You’ll be surprised how demonstrating personal development can keep the reader interested and showcase your readiness for degree-level study.

Be Clear and Concise

It’s crucial to write your personal statement clearly and concisely. Don’t write lengthy paragraphs, instead, try to include relevant personal experiences and skills in a structured manner. Admissions tutors often have many statements to read, so a well-organized statement with a clear line count is going to help you stand out.

Review and Revise

After writing your personal statement, read it with fresh eyes. Re-read your statement to check for spelling and grammar errors and ensure it aligns with your future career path. Don’t go overboard, but make sure your statement answers the following questions:

Why are you interested in the course? What have you done to prepare? How does this fit into your career aspirations? This thorough review can convince admissions tutors to offer you a place.

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• 2 personal statement examples for students with a gap year

Here are two strong and useful personal statement templates that you would want to try in your application:

Personal statement sample for students without experience

During my gap year, I took the opportunity to reflect on my future and prepare for the challenges of university. Although I did not gain experience of work or travel, I used this time to focus on my personal growth and academic interests. I dedicated myself to self-study, reading extensively about my chosen subject of psychology, which deepened my understanding and passion for the field.

Additionally, I spent time volunteering at my local library, where I helped organise events and assisted with community programs. This experience allowed me to develop strong organisational and interpersonal skills. It also reinforced my desire to pursue a career in psychology, as I saw firsthand the impact of community support and engagement.

My gap year has made me more mature and focused, ready to take on the academic challenges ahead. I am eager to bring my dedication and enthusiasm to my university studies and continue growing both personally and academically.

Personal statement sample for students with experience and internships

Taking a gap year was one of the best decisions I’ve made. During this time, I was able to volunteer at a local animal shelter, which provided me with invaluable hands-on experience in animal care and welfare. Working closely with veterinarians and animal behaviourists, I learned about the various aspects of animal health and the importance of compassion and patience in this field.

In addition to volunteering, I also took a part-time job at a community centre, where I assisted in organizing events and activities for children. This role helped me develop strong organisational and leadership skills, as I was often responsible for coordinating schedules, managing resources, and leading group activities. These experiences have not only improved my ability to work effectively in a team but also strengthened my communication and problem-solving skills.

Furthermore, I traveled to several countries during my gap year, immersing myself in different cultures and broadening my perspective. These travels have made me more adaptable and open-minded, qualities that I believe are essential for success in any academic or professional setting.

My gap year has been a period of significant personal and professional growth. It has reaffirmed my commitment to studying veterinary science, as I have seen the direct impact that skilled and compassionate care can have on animal welfare. I am eager to bring the knowledge and skills I’ve gained during my gap year to my university studies and contribute positively to the academic community.

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Taking a gap year can be a great experience that helps make your personal statement stronger and your university application stand out. By talking about what you did during your gap year, showing how you learned new skills, and explaining how these experiences have prepared you for college, you can write a statement that grabs the attention of admissions tutors.

Make sure to review and edit your personal statement carefully so it’s clear and easy to read. This careful attention will show that you are ready for the next step in your education and serious about your future career. With these tips, you can write a personal statement that really shines.

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How do I explain my gap year in my personal statement?

When explaining your gap year in your personal statement, be honest and provide context. You can mention the reasons why you took a gap year, what you did during that time (e.g., work, travel, volunteer), and how those experiences have helped you grow and prepare for college. Highlight any skills or insights you gained that are relevant to your academic pursuits.

Should I apologize for taking a gap year in my personal statement?

No, you shouldn’t apologize for taking a gap year. Instead, focus on the positive aspects of your experience and how it has contributed to your personal growth and readiness for college. Show the admissions committee that you used your gap year productively and that it has made you a stronger candidate.

How do I connect my gap year experiences to my academic goals?

To connect your gap year experiences to your academic goals, think about how the skills or insights you gained during your gap year can be applied to your chosen field of study. For example, if you worked in a related industry, highlight the skills you developed and how they will help you succeed in your program. If you traveled, discuss how your experiences broadened your perspective and prepared you for a diverse academic environment.

What if I didn’t do anything “impressive” during my gap year?

You don’t need to have done something “impressive” during your gap year to write a strong personal statement. Focus on what you learned about yourself, how you grew as a person, and what you’re bringing to the table as a result of your gap year. Even if you simply worked to save money or took care of family obligations, you can discuss how those experiences taught you responsibility, time management, and other valuable skills.

How much space should I dedicate to my gap year in my personal statement?

The amount of space you dedicate to your gap year in your personal statement will depend on the specific prompt and the word count. Generally, aim to devote about 1-2 paragraphs to your gap year, depending on its relevance to your academic goals and the rest of your application. Make sure to balance your discussion of your gap year with other important aspects of your application, such as your academic achievements and career aspirations.

Can I use my gap year as a way to address any weaknesses in my application?

Yes, you can use your gap year as an opportunity to address any weaknesses in your application. For example, if your grades weren’t strong, you can discuss how you used your gap year to take additional courses or prepare for standardized tests.

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Table of Contents

• • 4 Benefits if you take a gap year 
• • Expert tips to write a personal statement
• • 2 personal statement examples for students with a gap year
• • Conclusion

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• Gap year personal statement

Your Gap Year

When it comes to taking a gap year you have two options – to take it before you begin university, or to take it during your time at university. Luckily, whichever option you choose will look good on paper.

Universities like to see that their students have life experience outside of their academic career and a gap year is the perfect chance to pick up new skills, take part in different activities, and see a little bit more of life. 

Gap years prove to universities that you’re ready for a new adventure and like to take on a challenge. These are positive personal attributes for potential university students and can make you stand out from the crowd.

However, there are some definite dos and don’ts when talking about your gap year in your personal statement. The admissions tutors will want to hear either about what you did during your gap year, or what you intend to do if you haven’t already taken it.

You don’t have to focus your personal statement on your gap year but a few sentences or a short paragraph near the end of your application outlining your plans will show the reader that you’ve thought about what you’ll be doing.

It doesn’t matter if you’re going to be spending the time working to gain relevant experience in your subject or whether you’re travelling, as long as you show the admissions tutor that you have a plan and know what you will gain from taking the time out of education.

What you do on your gap year is completely up to you but most universities would warn you off wasting your time. Lying on a beach for an entire year might sound like a great reward for all your hard work at school, but you won’t gain anything from it.

It’s important to have a break but taking the time to volunteer for a community project, learn a new skill or language, and gaining valuable vocational experience will get you ahead of the game when the time comes to apply for/or return to university. 

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What Is A Gap Year? Is It Right For You? Here’s Everything You Need To Know

Updated: Jan 1, 2024, 1:48pm

Students seeking learning experiences outside of the classroom may consider taking a gap year . This break from school allows learners to develop a better awareness of themselves, including their professional and educational aspirations. Personal development during such a crucial period can offer helpful insights that can inform students’ future academic and professional careers, as well as their personal lives.

Are you interested in taking a gap year? You might want to ask yourself a few questions first.

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What Is a Gap Year?

A gap year is a period during which students spend time away from their formal education to engage in other experiences, such as travel. Many such learners take a full year off between high school and college, as recent high school graduates often feel overwhelmed by the pressure to choose a college and career path at such a young age. A gap year can offer extra time for these students to step back and consider their options.

A gap year can be any length of time and occur at any point in a student’s academic career. For example, some learners may take time off during college or between their undergraduate and graduate studies.

Students can use a gap year to participate in learning experiences outside of the classroom and focus on their personal growth. This period allows learners to explore their interests and educational and professional goals.

What Are the Benefits of a Gap Year?

A gap year offers opportunities for development during a critical transition period. Students can travel, pursue employment, volunteer or simply take time off to reduce their stress.

Taking a gap year can also help students become more independent and confident upon returning to their formal education . These qualities allow learners to get the most out of their education and feel more assured that they are making the right investments in themselves.

Top Questions to Ask Yourself Before Taking a Gap Year

Before deciding whether or not a gap year is practical, ask yourself the following questions:

What are the benefits to you of taking a gap year?

A gap year is an opportunity to rest, reflect and plan. For example, high school graduates who are unsure about choosing the right school can use a gap year for campus visits and interviews.

Following the stressors of high school, many students experience burnout and want to begin college on the right foot. Taking a gap year between high school and college allows learners to address mental health concerns without the added pressure of college.

What do you plan to do with your gap year?

Would you use your gap year to work, or to rest? Would you prefer to stay home or travel? Figure out how you’d most like to spend your time off school, and start making a plan. For example, if you’d like to spend your gap year traveling, start researching airfare and lodging and making a budget for your trips.

Likewise, if you want to work or volunteer during your gap year, remember that it will take time to fill out applications and receive responses. Plan ahead to research available opportunities, and apply as early as possible.

What are you planning to learn or accomplish during your gap year?

Some learners take a gap year to rest, recharge and focus on themselves. Others set concrete professional or personal goals to set themselves up for success when they take the next step in their education. Knowing what you want to get out of your gap year can help you determine what to put into it.

For example, gap-year students who travel can become immersed in different cultures around the world. Leaving home and spending time away from friends and family can help build independence and an understanding of the world. If you want to pursue self-actualization during your gap year, you might consider traveling.

On the other hand, if you’re looking to get your foot in the door professionally, you may use your gap year for an internship or entry-level employment .

Can you make a gap year work financially?

It’s critical to plan for the potential cost of your gap year. Students who plan to work during their gap year may have less to worry about, though student loans still accrue interest during this period. Likewise, learners who earn income may qualify for less need-based aid upon returning to school.

Learners who want to travel or complete volunteer work must understand the financial implications of taking a gap year. Without consistent income or savings, younger students taking time between high school and college may rack up credit card debt during this period. This could have long-term effects that go beyond college.

Some schools offer financial aid to gap-year students to help fund their year off. This aid allows learners to pursue their gap year goals without worrying about income. Still, most financial aid requires careful planning for eventual repayment. Before taking a break in your education, make sure to examine whether you can pull it off financially.

Do you plan to attend college later? Should you plan to apply later or ask for a referral?

If you are confident in your college choice, you can apply for admission and then request deferment for a year when your application is accepted. Otherwise, you might wait to apply until after or during your gap year, in which case you can spend your time off researching more universities, programs and financial aid opportunities.

Do you have a plan to transition out of your gap year?

While your gap year might take you in a professional or personal direction you originally hadn’t planned for, it’s important to plan for a transition back into education. Research indicates that 90% of students who take a break in education re-enrolled after a year, and careful planning can make this transition a smooth one.

Going back to school requires you to take a big-picture look at your education and gap year. Students taking time off from school should ensure that gap year experiences like employment, travel or volunteer work do not overlap with re-enrollment.

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Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, how do i explain a gap year on my college applications.

I took a gap year after high school and I'm worried about how it will look on my college applications. How can I explain my gap year in a positive way so it doesn't hurt my chances of getting accepted?

It's great that you're considering how to present your gap year in a positive light on your college applications. Many students take gap years, and colleges are often open to these experiences, as long as they are framed constructively.

First, consider what you did during your gap year. If you engaged in any meaningful activities, such as volunteering, internships, or personal projects, make sure to highlight these experiences in your application. You can include them in the 'Activities' section or even write an essay about how they influenced your personal growth.

If your gap year was more focused on personal circumstances, like family commitments or health issues, it's important to be honest about this. You can briefly explain the situation in the 'Additional Information' section of your application. Just remember to focus on how you've grown and what you've learned from the experience, rather than dwelling on any negative aspects.

Good luck with your applications!

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Taking a year off from school can seem a bit intimidating. However, taking a gap year between high school and college was an integral part of my journey to college, and it could be a part of yours as well!

Gap years are becoming increasingly more common for graduating high school students. They can be invaluable opportunities to work, travel, learn, and grow.

What did I get up to on my gap year?

During the summers that flanked my year off I worked as a camp counselor. I had worked at the camp throughout high school so it felt comfortable to start and end my time off with something familiar. However, going into my gap year I had no idea what I was going to do during the school season. I knew that I wanted to travel, but I didn’t have the money to do so. So the first thing I did was look for a job close to home. I ended up working part time in a Wegmans bakery and as a nanny for a local family. During the seven months that I worked, I was researching and planning a two month (self funded) trip through western Europe for myself and a friend. In late March, we left our jobs (with advance notice to our employers) and set off for the trip of a lifetime! We visited Dublin, Madrid, Barcelona, Paris, Amsterdam, Edinburgh, Cardiff, and London. We stayed in a combination of Hostels and friends' homes. It was so much fun to explore new places and meet new people. It was such a transformative experience! 

How do you know if a gap year is the right choice for you? 

Consider the following questions when deciding whether a gap year would be a good option for you.

Do you need a break?

Many of us work our butts off during high school to be the best we can be, and that can be tiring. Occasionally, students who graduate from high school and go directly to college might feel burnt out. This feeling is more common than many students realize, and it is completely valid! You can take time off from school to reflect on your goals and interests, focus on your health, and/or gain experience in environments different from a classroom. It is not a race to graduate. This information from Harvard's Admissions Office might be helpful to you as you consider a gap year: . 

Me receiving my high school diploma

Do you feel like you need time to mature?

College is a place to learn, grow, and gain maturity. However, it does require a certain level of maturity and independence going in as well. If you find yourself depending on others (such as your parents) to be responsible for you, you may consider using a gap year to practice maturity and independence. 

Do you wish you had more money?

Gap years can be used to work a full-time job or to take on an internship. It’s okay to simply use your time off from school to work and make money if it will help lighten the burden of your financial responsibilities. Additionally, just because you work doesn’t mean you can’t have fun during your gap year. (I did both!)

My best friend Sam in my Wegmans work uniform

Would you like hands-on experience before getting to college?

Working a job in a field that you are interested in studying, such as government, marketing, medicine, or business can be a valuable way to gain experience. Internships and volunteer positions can also be great ways to get hands-on experience. 

Do you have a skill you want to hone?

Some of my friends used their gap years to write and perform music, work as photographers, or to compete in various national and global competitions! Some people use their gap years to further explore their interests by taking courses in subjects that they might not have been exposed to during high school. (However, please know that, if you're an incoming Harvard student, you're not allowed to fully enroll in any other college during your gap year; also, none of the courses you take during your gap year will be eligible for transfer credits). You could look into your local community center to see if they offer any adult education courses; I briefly took a sewing course at a local craft store.

Do you want to travel?

While you can certainly travel during college through study abroad programs, sometimes it’s nice to travel without having to worry about doing your homework at the end of the day. Traveling during time off from school allows you to be a true tourist and to take advantage of many different opportunities. That being said, if you do not want to travel just as a tourist, you can often travel and do amazing work at the same time! There are a number of internships/jobs available for students wishing to go abroad. 

Me and my travel buddy in front of La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona during our gap year

The bottom line

There are many reasons to take a gap year, but consider what's best for you. If you feel like you are ready to jump into college right after high school, go for it! However, if you answered ‘yes’ to any of the questions above, then you might consider taking time off from school. If you decide that you do want to take a gap year, but you aren’t sure how to go about it, a good place to start is your school guidance counselor. They may have information about opportunities in your local area and might be able to help you begin to plan your year off. They can also help you talk to your parents about why a gap year may be the right choice for you.

For some more information and resources about gap years, check out the Gap Year Association !

You should also check out Harvard's student-run club for people who have taken time off, the Gap Year Society .

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The Benefits of Taking a Gap Year Before University

13th November 2023

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Are you considering taking a gap year before starting university? A gap year can be an enriching experience that offers numerous benefits, both personally and academically. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the key advantages of taking a gap year and why it might be the right choice for you.

Personal Growth and Self-Discovery

One of the most significant benefits of taking a gap year is the opportunity for personal growth and self-discovery. During this time, you can explore your interests, passions, and values and gain a better understanding of who you are and what you want from life. This self-awareness can be invaluable as you embark on your university journey and make decisions about your future career.

A gap year also provides you with the chance to develop important life skills such as independence, resilience, and adaptability. Living and travelling abroad, volunteering, or working in a new environment can challenge you in ways that help you grow as a person. These experiences can also help you build confidence and a sense of self-reliance, which can be beneficial in both your academic and professional life.

Enhanced Academic Performance

Taking a gap year can also have a positive impact on your academic performance. After a year away from formal education, you may find that you’re more focused, motivated, and ready to tackle the challenges of university. The experiences and skills you gain during your gap year can also enhance your critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills, which are all important for academic success.

Additionally, a gap year can provide you with a unique perspective and a broader worldview, which can be an asset in your studies. Exposure to different cultures, ideas, and ways of thinking can deepen your understanding of your chosen field and enrich your academic experience.

If you’re contemplating a gap year before embarking on your university journey and have concerns about its implications on your application, you can count on us. We are here to assist you in crafting a tailored UCAS personal statement that showcases your experiences, skills, and motivations.

Career Opportunities and Networking

A gap year can also open up new career opportunities and help you build a professional network. Whether you choose to work, intern, or volunteer, a gap year can provide you with valuable work experience and a chance to develop skills that are sought after by employers. It can also give you a competitive edge in the job market, as employers often value candidates who have taken the initiative to gain practical experience and broaden their horizons.

Furthermore, a gap year can provide you with opportunities to meet and connect with people from different backgrounds and industries. These connections can be valuable in the future, whether you’re looking for job opportunities, seeking advice, or looking to collaborate on projects.

Increased Cultural Awareness and Global Perspective

A gap year can also increase your cultural awareness and provide you with a global perspective. Travelling, working, or volunteering abroad can expose you to different cultures, customs, and ways of life, helping you develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of the world around you.

This cultural awareness and global perspective can be beneficial in both your academic and professional life. In an increasingly interconnected world, the ability to navigate and thrive in diverse environments is a valuable skill that can set you apart from your peers.

Taking a gap year before university can offer a range of benefits, including personal growth, enhanced academic performance, career opportunities, and increased cultural awareness. It’s an opportunity to explore your interests, develop important life skills, and gain valuable experiences that can have a positive impact on your future.

If you have reservations about taking a gap year before university, fearing it might negatively impact your application, rest assured. We are here to offer the assistance you require to craft a compelling personal statement for your application. Get in touch with us today to learn more about how we can help.

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Why Take a Gap Year?

10 reasons why you should take a gap year.

Updated January 2023 – Moving from one life stage to another is a mixed bag of emotions—it’s frightening, confusing, and exciting all at the same time. Transitioning from high school to college or from college to the workforce is an adventure in and of itself. But what’s become increasingly clear is that there’s no right way to do it; there’s no “right thing” to do after high school or college. It’s a time to explore and experiment, to learn more about yourself and the world around you. One post-graduation option you may have thought about or heard of is a “gap year.”

Four Types of Gap Years

A gap year is traditionally defined as a year-long break between high school and college or between college and entering the workforce. However, a gap year doesn’t need to actually be a year-long—some students elect to take a few months or a semester off instead. What do students do during this extended break? Some students might volunteer abroad while others spend time on a personal passion project. In fact, there are four types of gap years: immersion, volunteer, personal, and academic.

Immersion Gap Year

In an immersion gap year you spend an extended period of time surrounded by an unfamiliar culture; this usually includes things like living abroad with a host family, taking language classes, and engaging in cultural activities and practices. An immersion gap year pushes you outside of your comfort zones and teaches you first-hand about how other people in the world live.

Volunteer Gap Year

A volunteer gap year emphasizes leaving a positive impact on the places you visit and on the people you meet. This type of gap year allows you to explore areas of interest that you might not otherwise have a chance to. Volunteer opportunities range from economic development to graphic design to sustainable agriculture and more. You can learn new skills and experience diverse cultures through volunteer gap year programs, all while working alongside a local community.

Personal Gap Year

While you can collaborate with organizations related to your hobbies and interests to define a more concrete project for your time off, a personal gap year is unique to you. You could spend time launching the food blog you’ve always dreamed of, curating your Instagram to reach influencer status, or sharing the joy of your favorite hobbies by being a guitar instructor or soccer coach.

Academic Gap Year

An academic gap year typically involves exploring university life before committing to a specific university or major. These programs are typically offered by academic institutions like Oxford and RMIT University and let you enroll in interesting college-level courses, often in a new and exciting cultural setting. Academic gap year programs are a great choice if you want to continue rigorous learning even during your time off. They’re also recommended for students who want to explore their academic interests in greater depth without the pressure of choosing a major.

10 Reasons to Take a Gap Year

No matter what type of gap year you choose – immersion, volunteer, personal, academic, or some combination of them all – there are numerous benefits associated with taking the time off to explore the world. Based on over 55 years of empowering students to participate in impactful experiences abroad, we’ve rounded out our top 10 reasons for taking a gap year:

1. Experiencing Other Cultures

Taking a gap year allows you to travel the world during a time in your life where responsibilities are minimal—no mortgage, no bills, no children. This allows you to spend an extended period of time immersing yourself in another culture and unearthing the nuances of a culture you may be unfamiliar with. You’ll find yourself learning about and participating in cultural arts and events, enjoying and making traditional foods, and spending time and building friendships with locals.

2. Making a Positive Impact

Spending time abroad opens your eyes to the world around you—you’ll learn about how other people live and you’ll likely walk away with a whole new perspective of your surroundings. Cultural exchange is a two-way street, which means you can provide and receive support from people and communities all around the world.

3. Discovering Your Interests

A gap year can help you figure out if your favorite hobby or interests are truly a passion you want to pursue. Getting away from the hustle and bustle of your everyday life at home can open your eyes to new opportunities and areas of study. Gap year programs with a special focus like Arts and Cultural Preservation or Environmental Sustainability  provide an opportunity to test out your interests outside of the classroom. Programs that cover a wide variety of topics can also introduce you to new interests.

4. Developing Useful Skills

After completing a gap year program, you’ll walk away well-equipped with coveted workplace skills and life experience! You will find yourself a more flexible and adaptable individual and may pick up some hard skills like community development, graphic design, or writing, depending on your program or what you do during your gap year. These skills can prepare you for college, internships, and for entering the workforce.

5. Learning a New Language

Whether you want to brush up on your Spanish or are interested in learning a completely new language, there’s no better way to do so than surrounding yourself with native speakers. Gap year programs often include intensive language classes and provide plenty of opportunities to practice your language skills.

6. Building Lifelong Friendships

The people you embark on a gap year program with, the locals you meet, and the host family you stay with often end up becoming your lifelong friends. The special memories you create with each other and the adventures you experience together help create a one-of-a-kind bond.

7. Preparing Yourself for College

While some people are hesitant to pursue a gap year for fear of starting college “late”, a gap year is actually a great way to prepare yourself for college. In fact, studies have shown that students who take a gap year often have higher GPAs and are more involved in campus life than students who don’t take a gap year.

8. Boosting Your Professional ResumE

Employers value individuals who are culturally-aware and can adapt to new environments and collaborate with people from diverse backgrounds. Participating in a gap year program can help you develop all these skills even before you step foot into your first college class. Including your gap year program on your resumé demonstrates unique skills and experiences to your employer that other jobs can’t provide.

9. Collaborating Across Cultures

Whatever project you’re working on during your gap year, collaborating with people from different cultures can stimulate unique perspectives and produce stellar results. Collaborating across cultures can also transform the way you think and develop your critical and creative thinking skills.

10. Making Unforgettable Memories

From exploring the Andean highlands to bonding with your host family, your gap year will be a year to remember! Wherever you go for your gap year or whatever program you enroll in, you’re sure to make a lifetime of culturally-rich memories.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who Can Take a Gap Year?

There are no rules to who can take a gap year. While most programs are targeted towards students entering or completing college, people take gap years at all stages of their life.

When Should I Take a Gap Year?

Most people take a gap year between high school and college or between college graduation and entering the workforce. However, gap years are for anyone who is in between pivotal life stages—academic-related or not. Remember that a gap year doesn’t actually have to be a year-long; you can take a gap year that is a month-long, a semester-long, or even just a few weeks.

Where Should I Go for a Gap Year?

There are hundreds of programs all over the world for people interested in taking a gap year. For example, at Amigos de las Américas (AMIGOS), we specialize in gap year programs in the Americas . We encourage you to start by researching different countries and cultures that you’re interested in. A gap year should be tailored to your interests and whatever or wherever you want to explore.

How Can I Pay for a Gap Year?

Saving up for college or life after college can be overwhelming and a gap year may not seem feasible in the middle of it all. However, there are organizations dedicated to providing funding to students of all backgrounds and gap year programs often offer financial assistance .

Gap Year Misconceptions

There are a lot of misconceptions about gap years—like that you’ll be homesick all the time or that you have to travel across oceans to participate in a fun program. Here are three common misconceptions we want to debunk:

• Gap year programs are only for wealthy individuals. As we’ve mentioned, there are numerous organizations that provide funding for students interested in gap year programs. There are also less costly options and programs that offer financial assistance to qualifying students.
• A gap year looks bad on your college and job applications. The skills and experiences you develop during your gap year add to your college and job applications. You’ll walk away from your experience with countless stories for your personal essays and to tell in interviews. You’ll also learn hard and soft skills that will help you succeed in school and in the workforce.
• A gap year is like an extended vacation. A huge part of all gap year programs – whether you’re in an immersive, volunteer, personal, or academic gap year – is learning. While academic-focused gap year programs are more academically rigorous, a core aspect of every program is to provide students with the opportunity to learn about themselves and to learn more about the world around them. You’ll often be working hard on a project or towards a goal during your gap year to aid in your personal and professional growth—not lounging on the beach all day.

Is a Gap Year Right for You?

If you’re still trying to figure out if a gap year is the right choice for you, start with research. Research locations, programs, costs, etc. Equip yourself with the information you need to make an informed decision about where you want to spend your time and what you want to learn.

Think about why you want to take a gap year and what you want to achieve during your time off. What do you want to know a year from now that you don’t know now? If you’re curious about AMIGOS Gap Year Programs, watch one of our alumni testimonials —where program alumni share their experiences living abroad and having unforgettable experiences in Latin America.

Ready to get out of your element?

CVs & Résumés

• Dec 8, 2023
• 11 min read

How to Explain a Gap Year on Your Résumé (Tips and Example)

It could just make you more employable, after all.

Joanna Zambas

Content Manager and Career Expert

Reviewed by Chris Leitch

People of all ages take  gap years  for various reasons. Whether it’s to go traveling, spend time caring for a sick family member or raise children, there are plenty of acceptable reasons to take a much-needed break.

So, don’t be afraid to include a gap year in your résumé. As long as you can show the transferable skills you attained during your time off or connect the experience with the role you’re applying for, your gap year could enhance your professional document.

By following this guide, you’ll put your best foot forward and turn your gap year into a career-building experience.

What is a gap year?

For high school leavers and university students, a gap year refers to taking time off between high school and college, or between an undergraduate and a graduate degree, typically to travel or volunteer (or both).

For working professionals, a gap year is a year off that’s taken between jobs. Though you’re bound to be doing something with your time, you won’t be in full-time employment and your career will therefore be “paused” for a while. These “adult” gap years are also referred to as sabbaticals.

Common reasons for taking a gap year

Though we associate gap years with younger age groups, there are many reasons why an adult might choose (or need) to take a year out from work. The most common ones include wanting to:

• Pursue personal projects you’re passionate about but otherwise don’t have time for
• Travel around the world or to far-off places and experience different cultures
• Enroll in a course (or several ones!) to enhance your skill set and learn new things
• Volunteer in your country or abroad, getting involved in rewarding work
• Reassess your career wants and needs, and potentially pursue a different career path

Skills you develop on a gap year

No matter what you spend your gap year doing, one thing is certain: your routine will cease to be what you’re used to. Adjusting to your new reality and taking up new activities to fill your schedule is guaranteed to help you expand your skill set.

More specifically, you can expect to develop the following soft skills:

• Adaptability: Stepping outside your comfort zone means that, at least some of the time, things won’t go according to plan.
• Problem solving : When things don’t go according to plan, you develop your problem-solving ability besides your flexibility.
• Self-reliance: Navigating a year of frequent changes and new experiences will require you to build your resilience , which also positively impacts your confidence.
• Communication: Whether you use your year off to travel, volunteer or enroll in a course, you’re bound to put your people skills (and particularly your communication skills) to good use.
• Teamwork: Teamwork is yet another one of those people skills that you’ll most likely get to strengthen during your gap year.

Why you should include a gap year in your résumé

A gap year shouldn’t diminish your credentials; it should enhance them. By including a gap year in your CV or résumé, you can demonstrate that you’re caring, dedicated or daring — all of which are qualities that can benefit you in the workplace.

A gap year can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, allowing you to grow as an individual and as a professional. It can prove that you’re confident, motivated and an independent worker, which will enhance your résumé and make you more attractive to potential employers.

Where to list a gap year on your résumé

Knowing where and how to mention a  gap year  on your résumé can be a game-changer. A single sentence won’t do; you’ll need to add some dates, too, and a short yet informative description.

Where to include this on your résumé depends on how long your gap year was. If it was just a couple of months, there’s no real need to include this on your résumé.

That said, if your gap year extended beyond six months, then you’ll need to mention it on your résumé. Where you do this will depend on what sort of gap year you took. If during your gap year you ended up working a little or volunteering, you could add this under your work experience section . Or, if you mostly spent your gap year traveling, volunteering or working a job that is irrelevant to your main expertise, you could also create a separate volunteer experience section .

Meanwhile, if you had to take a year off due to an injury, chronic illness or to take care of a loved one, then this could likewise be added under the work experience section by listing the dates and adding a brief description explaining the situation — for example: “I acted as the main caretaker for a close family member.”

How to explain a gap year in your résumé

1. be honest.

When writing your résumé , honesty is the best policy. There’s no need to go into too many details if you have a sensitive or personal reason for taking the gap year, but you definitely shouldn’t try to hide it, either. The hiring manager could find out if  you’re lying , and that would ruin any chance that you had of securing the job.

2. Use a clear header on your résumé

If your time off work spanned several months, this should be indicated (in most cases) under the work experience section on your résumé. For example, if you were out of work for a bit because you were made redundant, you could include a header such as “Career Break” in your work history.

This can be followed by short bullet points explaining the situation, such as: “Made redundant due to company downsizing. Volunteered at ABC Non-profit as English teacher.”

3. Highlight the positive

As already mentioned, there are many positives to taking a gap year. In fact, showing that you have the courage to take a break and work on yourself or help someone else shows great strength of character .

So, be sure to draw on the positive experiences and how they have helped you grow as a professional. Even if you were caring for a loved one or raising children, you can show that this experience has helped you gain valuable skills, so don’t be afraid to talk about this.

4. Mention your achievements

Your main goal is to describe your achievements during the time that you took off work. Depending on what your gap year was for, you could list quantifiable results.

You could mention courses, qualifications or training you undertook while on your gap year, for example. So, let’s say you took a break to complete a short course, you could say “During this time, I completed XYZ course which taught me ABC skills.”

Or, if you were volunteering abroad , you could focus on primary achievements from your experience such as “Worked with a cross-cultural, diverse team of volunteers to help build shelters for a local community.”

5. Don’t go into excessive detail

The space on your résumé is golden; there’s no need to fill it up with unnecessary information. So, even though it’s important to list your gap year, there’s no need to go into too much detail. The information you do provide must be focused and relevant to the job you’re applying. You can elaborate further during the interview.

6. Make the gap year relevant to the role

Making the information on your résumé relevant to the employer and the role that you’re applying for is essential. Be sure to use relevant keywords; for example, if your gap year was part of a  volunteering program , mention the skills that you gained during your time abroad, and try to connect your experience to your target job.

7. Show your commitment for stability

Gap years can occasionally be seen as red flags by employers, since they could potentially signal a lack of commitment, direction or professionalism.

You need to prove that you’re keen to return to the workforce and become a valued member of any organization. Especially if your gap year was quite recent, you need to show that you’re motivated to land a full-time position with the company you are applying at.

8. Highlight the transferable skills you gained

As mentioned, on a professional level, the key takeaway from a gap year are the skills that you’ve attained and developed, as they make you more employable. Thus, it’s imperative that you showcase them effectively on your résumé.

You can do this in two places: one would be under your work experience section, under your “Career Break” header, where you’d list the responsibilities that you undertook or the activities you pursued during your time off. By describing them, you’re highlighting the skills and know-how you put to use in that time.

The second place to highlight your transferable skills is within your résumé’s dedicated skills section . A good rule of thumb is to include between 10–15 unique skills.

9. Use your cover letter wisely

A  well-written cover letter  is a great way to further  explain your gap in employment  by highlighting what you did and what you gained from it.  

Here’s an example of how to go over employment gaps in your cover letter: 

Dear Mr Richards,

I would like to apply for the role of digital marketing specialist which is advertised on CareerAddict’s job board and on your company website. Enclosed you will find my résumé which highlights my most recent experience.

I have gained experience in the field working on numerous influencer campaigns which received a 100% ROI. I feel confident that my experience can benefit your company, and I am eager to take on new responsibilities and challenges within the marketing field.

I have recently taken a year off work to teach English abroad and have gained great leadership and time management skills that will help me with my day-to-day tasks. Not only that, but it has also kindled my appetite for an international career and dealing with professionals across the globe.

I hope you will find my skills and experience suitable for the role. I look forward to hearing back from you soon.

Sincerely, 

Jane Johnson

10. Be prepared to answer questions

When you’re done putting together your résumé, go over what you’ve written, and make sure it’s coherent and concise. If you leave important information out or, worse, overdo it with the details, then the hiring manager might request clarifications regarding the gaps in your résumé — and the last thing you want is to be caught off guard.

In fact, the hiring manager might request that you further explain the gaps in your employment regardless of how well you’ve described it all in writing. So, have a think about what you’re going to say when you’re called in for an interview , particularly if the reason you had to step away from your job was due to something particularly challenging or emotionally taxing.

Gap year résumé example

Are you wondering how to apply all this information to your résumé? Don’t fret! We’ve created the following sample to use as a guide when you’re including your gap year on your résumé.

Get the Sleek template

Within this example, we used a  chronological timeline , since the candidate lists a solid chunk of work experience. However, if you have a patchy employment history, you may want to use a  skill-based résumé  structure instead — this allows you to focus on the skills you have rather than the work experience you’ve gained.

Final thoughts

Although it might be tempting to skip over your gap year, it’s important that you don’t. By including your gap year in the right way, you’ll be able to enhance your résumé and, actually, make yourself even more employable.

Remember that, regardless of the reason, it’s not a crime to take some time off work to pursue a life-long dream. You just need to show your dedication to finding and keeping a new job!

Do you have any tips or advice for jobseekers who are returning from their gap year? Share them with us in the comments section below!

Originally published on January 31, 2018. Updated by Electra Michaelidou.

Résumé Examples

Résumé Writing

Lifestyle | London Life

5 reasons why taking a gap year is important for your path to university

Taking a year out of your education tends to be a bit daunting, no matter what you choose to do with that time. But with the right amount of planning and forethought, it can be the best year of your life so far.

A gap year is an exciting period that brings new perspectives and helps ease you into further education or work.

On A Level Results Day , here are five reasons to add a gap year to your pre-university itinerary.

1. You’ll be more informed about your options

You’ll already know what your A-level grades are, so taking a gap year will enable you to target your university applications more accurately. You’ll also be receiving an unconditional offer when you apply - so no stress come results day. If you choose to retake some A-level modules, you’ve also got the option to apply for universities with higher entry levels.

2. You’ll develop life skills

Whether you decide to travel or to stay at home and work, taking a break from the school mindset will allow you to become much more independent, confident and understanding of the world. You’ll also broaden your practical skills for university; budgeting, surviving on your own or coping with homesickness will all help when you move away for the first time.

3. You can gain work experience

Increasingly employers are looking for graduates with work experience - not just a degree certificate. This is particularly the case for degrees with a vocational aspect, such as medicine or law. By undertaking an internship or work placement before university, you’re proving your enthusiasm for the subject, plus you’ll already possess invaluable practical skills.

World bucket list destinations - in pictures

4. You can sort out your finances

If you choose to work full-time for a year, you’ll be able to go to university with some savings, enabling a more comfortable transition. It’s also possible that your employer might offer you work during your uni holidays, which means you can always keep your loan topped up.

5. You’ll stand out from other students

Many vocational courses will favour your application if you’ve completed some relevant work during your gap year. If you choose to travel instead, it still gives you another great thing to talk about during your university interviews. A gap year is an invaluable addition to your CV, so is always worth mentioning in your Personal Statement, and in your interview prior to receiving university offers.

Hannah Morrish is the Student Choice and Higher Education Lead at The Student Room and a trained psychotherapist.

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5 reasons students should consider taking a gap year now

Coordinator of the Gap Year Research Consortium at Colorado College, Colorado College

Disclosure statement

Robert S Clagett does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

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With many colleges and universities still deciding when to re-open their campuses after they were shuttered due to COVID-19, many high school seniors are thinking about taking a gap year . Putting off college during the pandemic might enable them to get the on-campus experience they desire in 2021 instead of going to school remotely this fall.

Traditionally, a gap year is a semester or year of learning through experience. It is typically taken after high school and before college or starting a career. However, some college students choose to take a gap year while they’re still in college or before going to graduate school.

As the coordinator of a research group that examines the impact of taking a gap year, here are five ways that students will benefit from the gap year experience.

1. Avoid burnout

Perhaps most importantly, given the pressure in many high schools to excel in school and extracurricular activities to gain admission to college, a gap year gives students the opportunity to do something completely different. Just taking that step off the treadmill can lead to new growth and self-discovery.

2. Gain maturity

Taking a break from your formal education can contribute to a deeper appreciation of what the purpose of school is really all about. This, in turn, allows students to begin college with a more mature and focused mindset.

A gap year can provide the opportunity to discover new areas of interest and even to completely reinvent yourself. One good example was a student who spent his gap year working as a fishing guide in Alaska. That experience led him to major in environmental resource management. Ultimately, he embarked on a career in nature conservation.

3. Boost academic performance

Could taking a break slow down a student’s academic momentum? Actually, research conducted by an economist at Middlebury College – and replicated at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill – found the opposite is true. Not only did students who took a gap year perform, on average, better than those who did not, they actually performed better than would have been predicted, based on their academic credentials when they applied to college. For instance, the study found that the students who took a gap year earned GPAs that were .15 to .25 points higher than predicted.

4. Earn academic credit

At least one gap year program also provides the opportunity to be admitted to and earn academic credit at a variety of colleges. Other schools, such as Florida State University , the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill , Princeton and Tufts University offer their own gap year programs for students who want to postpone their on-campus enrollment for a year, but not always for academic credit. These college-based programs can also include financial assistance when needed.

5. Gain independence

It’s not necessary to stick with a formal gap year program or limit yourself to just one activity. In my 45 years of working with gap year students, I’ve found that some of the best gap year experiences are those that are self-designed.

If you create your own gap year experience, the most important thing to figure out is what you want to get out of it – be that work experience in a career you intend to pursue, learning a foreign language, doing community service or gaining greater cultural or environmental awareness. Then it’s a matter of creating experiences that lead to that goal.

One memorable example was a student from Oklahoma who spent the first four months of her gap year tending llamas at a monastery in North Dakota, the next four months working for a lawyer in Tulsa and the last four volunteering at an orphanage in the Dominican Republic.

Resources available

While taking a gap year can often cost a lot of money, that doesn’t mean the gap year experience is limited only to those who can afford it. Many of the more expensive gap year programs offer need-based financial aid .

It is also important to remember that many self-designed gap year experiences can cost very little, or even provide the opportunity to earn money through jobs or paid internships. Alternatively, it could involve doing volunteer work while living at home. For volunteer experiences away from home, sometimes students get their travel and living expenses covered. Service opportunities are often voluntary and therefore unpaid, but programs such as AmeriCorps’ City Year provide stipends to cover room and board expenses.

For those who want to join an existing gap year program, there are plenty of opportunities that provide students with a wide range of domestic and international experiences, leadership opportunities, and less formal learning environments. For example, you could check with the Gap Year Association for lists of accredited programs and its own research on the impact of taking a gap year. In addition, USA Gap Year Fairs sponsors fairs around the country in late winter where gap year programs provide information about their opportunities. There are also a number of accredited independent gap year consultants around the country who can provide expert advice on gap year experiences.

For high school seniors contemplating deferring enrollment in college until they can be assured of having the on-campus experience they envisioned, May and early June is the time to consider gap year opportunities and to inform the college admissions office of their desire to delay their enrollment. Not all colleges have the same gap year policies, however, and some are reviewing them in the context of the current pandemic. For these reasons, it is important to learn what a particular college’s or university’s policies are and to make sure you meet the deadlines to inform the institution of your plans.

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How to help students plan a meaningful gap year

Meaningful, structured gap years are periods of time designated for exploration and personal growth – and can help prepare students for university

Jim Faherty

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I remember giving a parent presentation on gap years in a previous school I worked at in Hong Kong . At the end of the presentation, I welcomed questions from the assembled audience of parents and caregivers. To my surprise, instead of a raft of curious questions, I was met with a sea of disapproving faces.

“I don’t want my son to be a year behind his classmates,” one mother said. “My daughter will need to catch up after she finishes her gap year,” was the way one concerned father phrased it.

I was perplexed and somewhat disappointed by these responses. These parents saw a gap year as something detrimental to their child’s growth and development, while my own personal experience was anything but.

An extended gap year: providing skills for life

I left school at the end of Year 12 (grade 11) with a handful of GCSEs and three mediocre AS levels under my belt.

Back then – and perhaps still now – that wasn’t enough to gain admission to any university in the UK. However, at that time I had already decided that education wasn’t for me (which was part of the reason I was asked to leave school in the first place), and I would be better placed doing other things.

I ended up taking up all manner of weird and wonderful jobs: working in my local cinema; temporary summer work as a pest-control officer for the local district council; working in a pub as a pot-washer; writing and editing articles for a musical-instruments magazine; and finally taking a giant leap of faith, getting on a plane and teaching English in Southern China for a year (after completing the most rudimentary of teaching qualifications: a two-day TEFL course in London).

Across three years, I picked up skills that, until that point, school had failed to teach me: time management, budgeting, linguistic and cultural fluency, how to interact with a wide range of people from various cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds, the value of money, the value of friendships, and how to cultivate a professional image (which, admittedly, probably took me another decade to perfect).

The most profound moment of realisation came while I was in China. After a year of attempting to teach English to primary and middle-school children, I discovered that I was a terrible English teacher because I spent most of my time asking “How do you say this in Chinese” or “What does this character mean?” It was clear that my interests lay not in teaching English, but in learning Chinese.

So, I enrolled at the Xi’an Jiaotong University to study Mandarin Chinese full time. I stayed there for two years before transferring to SOAS University of London to complete a BA in Chinese (modern and classical).

Solving the higher-education crisis

Thus, my gap years actually led me to attend university. Without that time to explore and that space to uncover my passion, I wouldn’t have found anything worth studying, at least not in any meaningful sense. My drive and ambition came from the independence I was afforded during those gap years, and the study of a language became a fascinating and practical obsession: one I felt compelled to take to tertiary level as a result of my genuine interest and aptitude.

Years later, working in undergraduate admissions at Goldsmiths, University of London I was able to see the difference in maturity and life readiness between school leavers and those who had undertaken structured gap experiences.

Imagine my delight then, when I chanced upon a TEDx talk by gap-year coach Julia Rogers, entitled “ The higher education crisis – and how the gap year could help solve it ”. In it, she explores the challenges faced by universities and applicants, such as increasing competition to gain admission to university, increasing dropout rates, and the increasing unaffordability of tuition fees. She asked the pertinent question: “What do students need to thrive in this current system?” Her answer, she says, is “a little phrase with a million possibilities…a gap year”.

Meaningful gap years are intentional periods of time designated for exploration, personal growth, facing challenges, stepping outside of comfort zones and serving communities. Through this, students are able to develop skills, passions and aptitudes that the traditional classroom environment cannot provide.

Gap years can help to prepare students emotionally, practically, financially and even academically for university: a 2007 study from the University of Western Australia found that “Students who defer university [and take a gap year] are found to have higher marks than students who commence university directly after completing high school.” The research found that for academically low-performing male students, the academic advantage conferred by taking a gap year was even more pronounced.

How to deliver gap-year counselling

But, an amazing, enriching gap year doesn’t happen by accident. Counsellors need to approach gap-year advising with the same strategic approach they would use for university applications – perhaps even more so. The whole world is there to explore, including a huge plethora of opportunities for work, volunteering, service-based activities, travel and engaging in passions and hobbies.

Consider all possibilities

Fortunately, the Gap Year Association , a US nonprofit committed to advancing the gap-year movement, has got you covered: they have produced a planning guide PDF that is instrumental to considering all questions, all angles and all possibilities. It asks students if they want to:

• stay in their home country, or travel overseas?
• immerse themselves deeply in one place, or visit as many places as possible?
• stay in basic accommodation, somewhere more upmarket, or with a host family?
• learn a new language?
• apply to university in their final year of school, or during their gap year?
• travel solo or as part of a group?
• plan their own itinerary, use an accredited gap-year counsellor or go with a gap-year organisation?

Be aware of cost

As counsellors, one crucial thing to be aware of is the huge variance in the cost of a gap-year experience. Options range from earn-as-you-travel (working the Australian bar circuit has traditionally been a popular way of travelling and earning money for British students who want to see Australasia and surrounding regions), to pay-to-play companies like Outward Bound , which offer exciting gap-year expeditions for a (high) fee.

Many organisations cater to gap-year students by offering room and board in exchange for work, such as Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms (popularly known as WWOOFing) and Habitat for Humanity , where students volunteer to build homes and community structures in developing regions across the world.

Here you can find a list of professional organisations and some suggestions for planning a structured gap-year experience, including other pay-to-play options for students with larger budgets.

Signpost, advise and share resources

Gap years are also part of the wider consideration around best fit, and it’s important to remember that what works for one student may not work for the next. However, I believe that the prospect of gap time should definitely be a core part of individual and family discussions when we’re advising on post-secondary pathway opportunities.

I have yet to meet a student who didn’t enjoy or benefit from their structured gap year, and go to university feeling better equipped for the challenges of student – and adult – life. With the right planning, it can be a transformational learning experience, filled with exciting, edifying and enriching moments, and heaps of personal growth.

Our job as counsellors is to signpost, to guide, to advise and to share resources. Because of my own journey, I sincerely hope that more students take the plunge and jump into a gap year (or years) and discover the world – and themselves – through the opportunities that arise.

And as Julia Rogers summarises in her TEDx talk: “Students who are empowered with their own sense of genuinely cultivated purpose are going to be happier and more successful in the long run.”

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Help writing a personal statement after gap year?

Currently on a gap year but planning to apply to some unis. Just wondering if my personal statement should mention my gap year and reasons for taking it. Also just general help on writing one would be great.

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Mechanical engineering personal statement example (with gap year).

As a young child I would often marvel at a feat of engineering, such as how a wing creates lift.

However, frustrated at my inability to comprehend the nature of such sights I could merely only scratch at the surface.

More recently my A level studies have equipped me with some of the tools required to deeper my understanding and question why things happen. I have used my mechanics knowledge to investigate the working of centrifugal clutches and rotary vane pumps.

Exploring deeper has thrown up plenty of questions such as how PLCs can utilise logic to control these machines, and it is perhaps my underlying curiosity which draws me to engineering.

As the combination of maths and sciences to solve problems and improve existing systems, engineering has shaped the world we live in. Realising this, my aim is to become a professional engineer entrusted with the responsibility of designing the world for future generations.

My passion for maths has driven me to achieve two silver and one bronze UKMT awards and a silver award in a Physics Olympiad. I enjoy testing myself in these competitions and plan to maintain my mathematical knowledge this year by preparing for STEP examinations and working as a private tutor for current students next year.

Studying mechanics has introduced me to problem solving in real-world situations, such as analysing the forces within a structure, and has driven my decision to study mechanical engineering.

Attending an engineering masterclass I was able to understand how a wing creates lift, in terms of streamline curvature and pressure gradients, and the reasons which disprove some common misconceptions.

It was surprising to learn how common these misconceptions can be, given the potential significance a misunderstanding could have.

I am currently on a work experience placement at Westinghouse Electric Company, manufacturers of nuclear fuel. It has been thoroughly interesting to see the engineering processes which take place, as well as other supporting operations which are important to any engineer such as risk management.

I have seen how machines including 3 phase motors and gearboxes are implemented on the production line, and then used circular motion to solve the gearbox problem, as well as others, on iwanttostudyengineering.org.

It has been satisfying to see processes I have learnt about at A level, such mass spectrometry put into practice on a helium leak detection unit.

Researching single acting cylinders, which I first observed being applied on the production line, has sparked my interest in internal combustion engines, in particular the knowledge I gained on Bernoulli’s equation at the masterclass was useful when trying to understand how a carburetor works.

I have also been exposed to operations management, reading 'Toyota Kata' I learnt about the need for continuous improvement for manufacturers to remain competitive and it was interesting to compare 'Toyota's way' to what I see daily on site. This is something I may want to pursue further after University.

This summer I taught myself some simple programming with python, and appreciated being able to learn something new and quickly test my understanding. I watch 'Big, Bigger, Biggest' documentaries, taking inspiration from the revolutionary breakthroughs that have been made.

One of my favourite engineers is Filippo Brunelleschi, architect of the Duomo, his ingenious ideas were years ahead of his time and are still visible to see.

I also regularly read 'Professional Engineering' magazine to keep up to date with some of the challenges facing current engineers, I recently learnt that Audi are developing a new energy recovery system from potholed roads, and I am excited by the environmental benefits this could have.

I play rugby in my spare time and have recently completed my Gold Duke of Edinburgh award, particularly enjoying the volunteering section where I sold Christmas cards to raise money for charity. Studying engineering will be a gratifying experience, allowing me develop holistically and I look forward to getting started.

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This isn't yet finished but I would welcome any feedback :)

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