The gap year, which involves taking a year off between college and work, traveling or volunteering, has gained popularity in recent years in the States -United. This practice began in Britain in the 1960s and has spread to other parts of the world. Deciding to take a gap year after graduating from high school, during or after college is a realistic alternative for students who are unsure of their true aspirations for the future. Having this time is an interesting and sometimes revolutionary alternative, when the student is bored or exhausted and is looking for a break from the demands of school and learning. During this gap year, students can participate in: advanced academic courses, language studies, learning a trade, volunteering, travel and work, internships, sports and much more. All of these options aim to improve their knowledge, maturity, decision-making, leadership, independence and self-sufficiency. For most students, gap-year experiences impact their choice of academic major and career, either by putting them on a different path than before or by confirming their direction. Therefore, a gap year offers a student the opportunity to explore a multitude of options for progress, and will then undoubtedly lead to clearer goals for their future. Gap experiences generally cost less than the equivalent length of college, and there are options that make it possible to earn money to pay for college (Sarouhan, Jane, and Jason). Tufts University in Medford, Massachusetts, has a new program that aims to eliminate financial barriers that prevent students without money from taking a gap year after completing their second semester, traveling or volunteering in other countries. The gap year starting in the third quarter will cover the costs...... middle of paper ......ionDigest 79.5 (2014): 30-34. MasterFILE Elite. Internet. April 12, 2014. O'Shea, Joseph. “Delaying the Academy: A Gap Year in Teaching” Teaching in Higher Education, 16.5 (2011): 565-577, academic research completed. Internet. April 10, 2014. Sarouhan, Jane, Sarouhan, Jason. “Your goals, your life, your gap year.” CollegexpressMagazine (2013): 22-25. MasterFILE Elite. Internet. April 7, 2014. Simpson, Kevin. “The gap year, a rewarding time for high school graduates.” The DenverPost. Denverpost.com. March 1, 2011. The web. April 12, 2011. Torpey, Elka Maria. “Gap year: time off, with a plan.” Professional Outlook Quarterly 53.3 (2009): 26-31. MasterFILE Elite. Internet. April 7, 2014.What is the United States. “University supports student sabbaticals.” Np, March 21, 2014Web. April 11. 2014.