If you’re leaning toward taking a gap year, you may be weighing your options on how you should spend your time. This probably won’t surprise you, but we have some ideas. One such idea? Kaplan’s Boost Year™. Boost Year™ is reimagining the traditional gap year by combining self-exploration with an internship-inspired, learn-by-doing experience. Students will leave their Boost Year™ with a newfound understanding of what career paths are available and compatible with their skills and interests—and the ability to kick off their college experience with their career goals at the forefront of their minds. To find out more, CollegeXpress talked to Megan O'Connor, Entrepreneur in Residence at Kaplan Test Prep, about Boost Year™. Read the details of our Q&A session below.
How does Boost differ from a "traditional” gap year?
There are a few ways in which Boost differs from a traditional gap year. First off, it’s not a year off—it’s a year on, as it offers a focused and thoughtful approach to helping prepare you for your future. It will help you identify strengths and weaknesses, map strengths to career options, and let you explore careers and related college majors. Second, unlike internships where you’re given administrative or busy work, Boost will give you access to what it looks like to have real jobs in high-growth areas and offers a sense of what work experience feels like. Finally, the program is completely virtualand only about 20 hours per week, so you can do it in conjunction with college credit courses or a job.
Related: Your Goals, Your Life, Your Gap Year
What does the cost of Boost go toward?
The cost of Boost goes toward multiple areas: your personalized one-on-one mentoring, which will help you create a plan for your future; work-integrated learning projects; and assessments of your skills and what you need to succeed in your career. The price is $3,995, and there are financial aid opportunities available.
What are some of the most noteworthy benefits of Boost?
In the Boost program, you’ll learn from professionals in the jobs that might be of interest to you, gain an understanding of what you need to do to get positions in those career paths, and get a map of what skills you have and what skills you need to learn to be successful.
How can Boost help propel me toward my career goals?
Boost assesses your strengths and weaknesses and connects you with real professionals in real jobs who will provide a deeper understanding of the paths you can take and how different careers can play out. You’ll gain an understanding of what jobs resonate with you, put your learning to practice, build invaluable skills, and receive one-on-one mentoring to help you shape your path forward.
When are the application deadlines for 2020–2021?
Applications are open now for the fall program (running from September 14–December 11), but spots are limited. Visit Kaplan’s Boost Year™ website to apply now.
Related: Changing Your College Plans Amid COVID-19: What Are Your Best Options?
There you have it—answers to the most burning questions about Boost Year™. For more from Megan, check out this YouTube video explaining the benefits of Kaplan's new Boost Year™ program.
Need more information before you make your final decision? Take a peek at the Boost Year™ FAQ page, then check out all of our gap year content on CollegeXpress!
