In 2013, Bob Clagett a former Dean of Admissions at Harvard University stated that students who have taken a gap year between high school and college not only have, on average, higher college GPAs than those who don’t, they actually have a higher GPA than would have been predicted, based on their high school academic credentials.
Students were also perceived to be 'more mature, more self-reliant and independent' than non-Gap year students as well as gaining additional skills and knowledge that contributed to their career or academic major. Most also experienced positive effect on their motivation to study and a real boost in performance in the first semesters at university.
Young Judaea, the largest Gap Year provider in Israel for North American Jewish youth has seen a direct link between the gap year and success down the line, with 85% of participants who didn’t get into their first choice college reapplying successfully during their year in Israel.
Young Judaea Year Course Director Adam Jenshil said: “Universities appreciate what happens here. Along with an unbreakable connection to their heritage, students develop mature well-rounded personalities, able to engage in the world and engage in critical thought.”
The Young Judaea Year Course is now college accredited, also offering nine specialty tracks ranging from business, medicine, music, arts and world travel which are great opportunities to tailor-make this year of discovery in Israel and give it extra career kick as well.
Despite the pressures to go straight to college, for Jewish parents the lure of a gap year in Israel has additional benefits including strengthening Jewish identity, forging a connection to Israel and meeting other Jewish youth which may explain why it remains an important rite of passage for so many families.
Eitan Bender, who graduated of the Year Course in 2011- 2012, and now studying at the prestigious George Washington University D.C. said: “The year I spent in Israel was life-changing. I never stop thinking about the incredible moments and life lasting friendships that I made.”
Young Judaea is offering a $1000 discount on its upcoming 2015/16 Gap Year in Israel for new applicants who register and pay their $100 deposit between 5th to 12th April 2015.
Receive more information about Year Course in Israel.