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Taking Off has been unique in educating the public to the purpose and realities of a gap year. A gap year may not be for everyone but we believe that people need real information before they can make an informed decision. We talk with students and parents to help them explore whether time away from the traditional classroom is an option they should consider at some point during the nonstop nature of our educational system
Taking Off has a track record that dispels the myth that a gap year is a choice against college. All of our clients have continued their education. Over 3,000 colleges and universities suggest or support a gap year. They know that students enter school more mature, more motivated and use their time more productively. One student told us that her gap year was the year she learned the most – about herself, the world and what she wanted out of life.
Taking Off is not just about where you go and what you do. Along with the product there is also a process where most of the learning takes place. We limit the number of students we work with so that students have unlimited access to our services to help them think about how they want to spend their time and why. We are not a cookie cutter organization. We take the time to get to know each student. Over the last 18 years we have never had two students come up with the exact same plan.
Taking Off has witnessed the recent explosion of so called ‘gap year experiences’. While it is not necessary to work with a consultant, it is critical that families find options that hold safety and content paramount. Students need to research different opportunities to be able to choose those situations that are a good fit with who they are and what they hope to do.