Between 40,000 and 60,000 students in the United States choose to take a gap year before college each year, according to Gap Year Oregon.

Taking a year between high school and college can be extremely useful to a student. It can be used to find a student’s interests, dislikes and skills. They can use that information to determine what career they want to go into. It can be used to gain money for college or travel before enrolling.

Eighty eight percent of gap year graduates believe it enhanced their employability, according to Tilting Futures. They gain life experience and possibly job experience during their year off depending on what they choose to do with their time. Possible employers could see this as a bonus in the hiring process.

“Sixty percent said a gap year helped them decide what subject to study at university,” according to Year Out Group. Picking what to do for the rest of one’s life can be challenging and feel like a lot of pressure. To be able to experience different options or situations can help them determine their major.

Some may worry that taking a gap year will make a student not want to go back to college; it seems to be most people’s greatest concern. “Ninety percent of gap year participants attend college within a year of their break,” according to National Outdoor Leadership School. “For many students, a gap year offers the opportunity to gain skills and experiences while also providing time to reflect and focus on what they want to do next,” according to Fontbonne University.

There are many reasons a student may take a gap year. It could have to do with financial problems, life-experience or travel. “It can give students a break from the pressures associated with academics, resulting in renewed enthusiasm for their studies when they return to school,” according to U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics.

 Overall, a gap year can help a student decide their life path and set them up for their career.