Do American universities support the idea of the gap year, which is when some students take time off after high school? Many can’t respond with a definitive yes or no. But at certain institutions of higher learning, the answer appears to be a resounding yes. Harvard University has, for about 35 years, been recommending to its accepted applicants that they take a year off before starting their programs of study. In 2000, the Dean of Admissions at the time, William Fitzsimmons, wrote an article suggesting that these students could benefit from taking a year to repair “burn out” after finishing public school.

Harvard isn’t the only institution to approve of a gap year either. Both Princeton and Yale are content with students taking the break before starting their studies. Yale has always allowed its students to defer entrance for a year, although, unlike either Harvard or Princeton, it hasn’t actively encouraged the practice. The philosophy at Yale is that students can decide for themselves what they want, and the school doesn’t get involved. Princeton, on the other hand, has set up its own program for sending students on service trips. But all three of these ivory towers of learning are onside when it comes to the gap year.

Those who feel that a gap year might lead a student not to return to school at all may be surprised by the result of Harvard’s approach. As of 2000, statistics show that of all students, about 20% had taken a year’s break, either before their program courses began, or while it was in progress. Yet 97% of Harvard’s students graduated from the university. Yale’s numbers weren’t quite as high, but that might be because that school doesn’t actively encourage students to take the gap year.

Judging by the attitudes of Harvard, Princeton and Yale, neither parents nor other schools should worry much about students taking a gap year. Indeed, if the Harvard attitude is correct, then students might benefit from this break, repairing the burn out so many feel by the time they’ve finished public school. If they can take a year off, make their own decisions, and spread their wings a bit, then they’re much more likely to come back refreshed and mentally ready at last to start university.

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