College is most students prospect after high school, but not for Selma Cipranic. I decided to interview her to find more about her decision.
This interview has been edited lightly.

Q: What do you plan to do after high school?
A: I plan to not go to college and work I guess to save up money.

Q: How did you come to know about the gap year?
A: My sister mentioned it to me. I didn’t really think it was that rare of a thing.

Q: What do you hope to get out of it?
A: I hope to get some rest and money to go on a trip–oh yeah.

Q: What will you be doing after your gap year?
A: I will be doing God knows what. Probably chillin’.

Q: What do you feel will be the biggest support system that you have to get you through your gap year?
A: I feel like me myself, and I will be my biggest support system since all my friends are going away forever.

Bigger picture
Selma is among the thousands of students who will be taking a gap year. According to a nationwide survey, “Up to 40 percent of students nationwide are seriously considering taking a gap year.”

Why is this? There are many advantages to taking a gap year.

Doing better academically. Students, even those who were low academic achievers in high school, who took gap years were more likely to graduate with higher grade point averages than those who went straight to college, according to the Gap Year Association.

It’s a common belief to go right into college right away when it might not be the best option for you. By having more time to find your sense of purpose, passion and eliminate bad options, you have a better chance of finding meaningful careers that work for the rest of your life.