YCBK 82: What is a Gap Year and Should I Take One?

In this episode you will hear: (06:20) In this week’s news, an article from Pro-Publica.org, “Parents Are Giving Up Custody of Their Kids to Get Need-Based College Financial Aid” by Jodi Cohen and Melissa Sanchez. Dozens of rich families in Chicago have been discovered scamming the admissions system, this time as it relates to financial aid. These families are turning over guardianship of their teens to a friend or relative so the student can declare financial independence, which allows them to qualify for tuition and scholarships they would not be otherwise eligible for. This is a newly discovered scam and some schools have started to investigate some of their guardianship cases of students who are currently enrolled on their campuses.   (21:10) We are in Chapter 82 of 171 Answers and Mark describes the gap year and the gap semester year. We talk about six of the common reasons students take gap years. We talk about the benefits of a gap year. We talk about the school policies when it comes to gap years.   (31:04) This week’s question is from a parent who is torn between their child’s acceptance at Wake Forest with a scholarship and their acceptance at Stanford where they will not qualify for financial aid.  The parent says, it is a classic case of money vs prestige. The parent wants to know how Mark would handle this situation. The parent shares some very personal financial information, and even though the parent said we could share it, we keep this parent anonymous. Mark shares what advice he gave the parent and then we find out what the student and the parent ultimately decided. What factors influenced their decision. Anika communicates how this whole discussion inspired her.   (45:51) Mark’s interview is with Mr. Dave Wagner who is the Director of Admissions of St. Olaf, in Part I of “Understanding the Common Application” Dave shares his backstory, including his experience as a student at St. Olaf, how he ended up at St. Olaf, the various roles he has had in his 15 years there Dave explains what the Common App is and he shares why he likes the Common App Dave explains what Part 1, the Profile section is and he talks about how the Profile section is helpful in the admissions process. Next Dave explains Part 2 of the Common App, the Family section and he shares how this section helps admission officers in the decision making process   (54:38) Mark’s recommended resource of the week is a Barnes and Nobles Colleges Insight Report entitled, “Mental Health and Well-Being- How we better care for the whole student” Here is the PDF of this excellent report that is based on a survey of 762 college students and 1708 parents: (1:11:43) Our College Spotlight for the week is University of San Francisco (CA)   Please complete our podcast survey so we can improve our podcast and meet your needs. Here is the link:   Don’t forget to send your questions related to any and every facet of the college process to   Every episode of Your College-Bound Kid will align with a chapter from the book 171 Answers to the Most-Asked College Admission Questions. To get a copy visit  and if you want to see what future episodes will cover just click the red button “See exactly what 171 Answers covers.