Many American universities aren't keen on the idea of the gap year, which is the year students take off after high school, before going on to higher learning. But you just have to look at the example of Harvard University to recognize that the worries about the gap year are probably unfounded. Indeed, that school's Dean of Admissions in 2000, William Fitzsimmons, wrote an article suggesting that students probably need that year to repair the "burn out" they feel after graduating. Harvard, in fact, suggests taking the gap year in their acceptance letters sent to applicants. This elite school has been doing this for about 35 years.<br /><br />Harvard isn't the only institution to approve of a gap year either. Both Princeton and Yale are content with students taking the break before starting their studies. Yale has always allowed its students to defer entrance for a year, although, unlike either Harvard or Princeton, it hasn't actively encouraged the practice. The philosophy at Yale is that students can decide for themselves what they want, and the school doesn't get involved. Princeton, on the other hand, has set up its own program for sending students on service trips. But all three of these ivory towers of learning are onside when it comes to the gap year.<br /><br />And what is the result? Some American parents and schools feel that a gap year can disrupt students' educational plans enough that they might not return to university at all. But that certainly hasn't been the experience at Harvard. As of 2000, an average of 20% of all Harvard students had taken a year's break at some point during their higher academic years. Yet Harvard had a 97% rate of students graduating and getting a degree. Yale's numbers are a bit lower, but remember that this school doesn't go out of its way to encourage students to take the gap year either.<br /><br />Judging by the attitudes of Harvard, Princeton and Yale, neither parents nor other schools should worry much about students taking a gap year. Indeed, if the Harvard attitude is correct, then students might benefit from this break, repairing the burn out so many feel by the time they've finished public school. If they can take a year off, make their own decisions, and spread their wings a bit, then they're much more likely to come back refreshed and mentally ready at last to start university.<br /><br />Matthew McMillan is a leading expert in the <a href="http://www.treatmentforgenitalwarts.com" target='_blank'>genital wart treatments</a>. His works are regularly featured in online health publications on matters relating medications of genital warts. For more information on <a href="http://www.treatmentforgenitalwarts.com/resources.htm" target='_blank'>genital wart remover</a>, visit treatmentforgenitalwarts.com.
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