Are there advantages for teens who take a year off before college?

I would only be concerned if your teenager is postponing an education for the wrong reasons, but many teenagers postpone a college education because they haven't found their "voice" yet. They lack a vision of the future and often haven't taken the time to discover what motivates them. Once they discover their true passion in life, they'll realize that a college degree or post-high-school training is the best road to fulfill that dream.

If your teenager is set on postponing her education, encourage her to participate in a variety of activities and programs that will expose her to different fields. Spending time abroad and participating in service activities will help open doors she never knew existed and will open her mind to other cultures and other people. Help her find her voice and discover what she was born to do.