More high school seniors are taking a gap year than ever before. Studies show that there is a 13% increase in high school seniors taking gap years amid the Coronavirus pandemic. With talk of virtual, remote learning being considered for the 20-21 school year, some students and parents question whether returning to college is worth it. 

The Coronavirus has completely changed the way high school seniors spent their last few months in high school. It’s also changing their plans for the future. One in six high school seniors say they most likely will change their plans to attend college in the fall. In a study conducted by Tyton Partners, an investment banking and strategy consulting firm, more than 40 percent of parents say they are “either uncertain or would not send” their children to school for the fall semester in a remote-learning scenario.

Throughout this pandemic, the national unemployment rate has risen tremendously. Out of work, fears of student loans and money shortages have consumed the minds of parents and students. Some students may want to take a gap year to continue to save for tuition. Others are taking a gap year to take prerequisite classes at a local community college, rather than pay full tuition to learn remotely. 

Most colleges and universities allow students to defer for a year, allowing them to roll their admission over to the 2021-2022 school year. Whether taking a gap year or attending colleges, the Class of 2021 is destined for success.