In the professional or career world, a gap year is a year before going to college or University and after finishing high school. It is also known as a sabbatical year. During this time students may engage in advanced academic courses, extra-academic courses and non-academic courses, such as yearlong pre-college math courses, language studies, learning a trade, art studies, volunteer work, travel, internships, sports and more.

Gap years are sometimes urged as a way for students to become independent and learn a great deal of responsibility prior to engaging in university life.