By Lindsey Henke
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A study from the University of Sydney has found that 7.6 percent of students who graduated high school in 2004 took a gap year before finishing college.
Justin Gonyer, a chemistry major at UW-Eau Claire, has taken two gap years over the course of his college career. © 2012 Lindsey Henke
Many students decide to take a break from school between high school and college, but some also take breaks between their first and last college years. These gap years are usually spent studying abroad, volunteering, or, most commonly, working.
The study found that after taking a gap year to gain perspective, students are usually more motivated to finish their college degrees.
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In a recent survey 63% of 250 HR professionals agreed that a constructive gap year spent volunteering or gaining work experience was one way to make a an application really stand out.
Tom Griffiths, Founder of gapyear.com, said: “It’s never been more important for young people to make the most of their time between school and career. This survey shows that a constructive gap year involving independent travel, volunteering or work overseas makes a big difference to potential employers.