Gap Year Support Resources

Considering a gap year before graduate or professional school can be a valuable opportunity to gain experience, strengthen your application, and clarify your goals. The following resources are designed to help you think through whether a gap year might be the right choice and to connect you with support available along the way. Use the flowchart to reflect on your readiness and next steps, and explore the resource guide to learn about Boston University offices and services that can support you during your gap year planning process.

Should I Take a Gap Year?

This flowchart helps students determine whether taking a gap year before graduate or professional school might be the right choice. Through key questions about career goals, readiness, finances, and application strength, it highlights factors to consider when planning the next step in your academic journey and can help you decide whether to apply now or take a gap year to gain experience, improve qualifications, and explore your interests.

Gap Year Support Resources

This PDF highlights support services available to you as you consider a gap year after graduation. It outlines offices at Boston University that both current students and alumni can access, providing career guidance, advising for graduate and professional programs, writing support, information on fellowships, and alumni networking opportunities. These resources help students explore options, plan their next steps, and stay connected to support even after graduating.