@suzyQ7 just to expand on what Homerdog is talking about. My D20 is taking a gap year and will be working part-time as a server/hostess to save money to pay most of her anticipated unsubsidized college loans ($5,500 and $6,500 next two school years). She is also taking two online classes at a local community college. Spanish 4 equivalent and a Political Science class. She will not get college credit for these classes as her primary college does not allow college transfer credit but she can place into a higher Spanish class next year as a freshman. In addition, she might do some meaningful volunteer work and possible travel to France next spring (as CV-19 conditions allow). Interestingly and surprisingly enough, she said she is going to read 20 books this year (and she’s not a read for pleasure girl!).
She has gotten over the “shock and awe” of the realization that she is now a Class of 2025 kid.
Remember, this gap year is not like typical years where students would have done some incredible research, internships, or other really life-changing and memorable experiences. This year it’s more about “survival”, being practical, and delaying starting college with the hopes of things being better fall 2021.
My D will stay busy, save some money, get to spend one last year of quality time with her family, and recharge her batteries for next year after being an intense student and over-scheduled since she was in middle school. She will be fine…