Can I still get into a good college after taking a gap year?

Absolutely. Taking a gap year won’t slam any college doors shut. In fact, many top colleges actually appreciate it when students use the time to grow, learn, and experience life beyond the classroom. The key is making that year count. Whether you travel, volunteer, work, or dive into a passion project, colleges want to see that you did something meaningful. Sitting around in your pajamas binge-watching detective shows probably won’t score points. But if you come back with a clearer sense of purpose, better time management, or just a stronger story to tell, admissions officers will take notice. A gap year done right can actually make your application shine brighter than it would have straight out of high school.