Gap years — essentially a year off before starting freshmen year — are gaining in popularity among American students.

For example, Harvard has seen a 33% increase in the number of students taking gap years. And MIT saw its deferments double between 2009 and 2010, according to CIEE, the world’s oldest and largest nonprofit study abroad and intercultural exchange program.

In fact, The White House announced announced earlier this year that Malia Obama will take a gap year before attending Harvard as a member of the class of 2021.

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Source:: BusinessInsider.Com