---
title: How to Successfully Take a Gap Year Before College
description: Every 'gap year' is different, but the best experiences push students outside their comfort zones.
authors:
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published: '2016-02-03T13:30:01.000Z'
modified: '2016-02-03T13:30:01.000Z'
section: Education
tags:
  - College
  - ethan knight
  - gap years
  - video
word_count: 88
canonical: https://money.com/gap-year-before-college/
type: Article
source: structured-blocks
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![Screen Shot 2016-01-19 at 7.31.42 PM](https://img.money.com/2016/01/screen-shot-2016-01-19-at-7-31-42-pm.png)

Not every student who takes a structured year off before college will have the same experience, but there are five components to ensure a successful gap year. Ethan Knight, of the American Gap Association, explains that these components include a focus on learning, working with a mentor, and completing a project or paper to reflect on the experience. Knight says a great gap year pushes students out of their comfort zones and helps them to become global citizens, whether they spend their year abroad or within the U.S.

![](https://content.money.com/wp-content/themes/money2018/img/newsletter/money-homepage-newsletter-120.png)

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