You send your student off to college and you’re already anticipating that Commencement Ceremony four years later. But traditional four-year college timelines are becoming less common as students forge their own unique educational paths. In this episode, Vicki and Lynn explore the various ways students navigate higher education today – from gap years that build maturity and purpose to mid-college breaks and an extra fifth year college experience. We discuss how these experiences often lead to greater confidence, improved communication skills, and most importantly, a clearer sense of purpose. We also emphasize how embracing flexibility in college planning and supporting your student’s unique journey can lead to greater success and fulfillment in college and beyond. What timeline might work best for your student?

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This podcast episode came about because we see so many of the students that we work with who are on varying timelines, some finishing school quickly – in three years – and others who have taken a slower path. The traditional 4-year completion is no longer the norm.

We talked about many of the variations and discussed gap years, a high school postgrad year, taking a gap year mid-college, students who take a long gap experience of several years, and students on a five-year plan. Lots of options.

If your student is thinking about a gap year, a good place to begin is with the Gap Year Association. Check out their website at https://www.gapyearassociation.org/

We had an earlier podcast episode with Jay Gosselin of Discover Year, an excellent gap year program. We also heard from a parent whose daughter attended the program. Listen to hear more about what a gap year can be like. #087 – Exploring the Why and How of the Gap Year Experience: An Interview with Jay Gosselin of Discover Year and Marie Shea, Gap Year Parent.

If you’d like more information about a postgrad year, check out our article, Should Your Student Consider a High School Postgrad Year?

We also discussed the differences between a Leave of Absence and Withdrawing from school. There’s more information in our article What’s the Difference Between Leave of Absence and Withdrawal from College?

Vicki mentioned one of our favorite books, The Gift of Failure by Jessica Lahey. It’s a must read for parents. 

If your student is persisting in school but may need more than four years to finish, check out our article, Do You Have a Super Senior? Making the Most of the Fifth Year of College. 

If your student is considering being on the fast track and finishing in less than four years, there’s lots to think about. The Path to Graduation: The Fast Track

Don’t forget that you can listen to all of our previous podcast episodes here or subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts.

Let us know what you’d like to hear about on future podcasts! Leave a comment below or email us at [email protected].

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