Published by ABC News
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Such sentiments, combined with the prospect of ongoing stay-at-home orders and the jarring economic downturn, are prompting an increasing number of college-bound seniors to seriously consider taking a gap year, rather than commit to another possible semester -- or more -- of remote learning this fall.
Nearly one in six graduating seniors, according to a poll by the Baltimore-based Art & Science Group, now indicate that due to the coronavirus pandemic, they will likely revise their plans of attending a four-year college in the fall and take a gap year.
In addition, 63% of graduating seniors are uncertain whether they will be able to attend their first school choice in the fall, with 21% of these students indicating that it was no longer affordable, and 12% citing personal or family health reasons.
Independent college counselor and youth mentor Rich Cooper told ABC News that he is advising all of the students and parents he works with to opt for a gap year instead of enrolling in the fall semester.
"Part of this pandemic is that we have no control, and much of that is true,” Cooper said. "But we do have some control, and that's over what we're going to choose. How do we make choices that are better for ourselves? These choices are in the gap year."
Cooper, who is based in Santa Monica, California, and has been advising students for nearly 15 years, explained that he believes the foundation of the college experience is based on the deep relationships built on campus between students, professors, and friends.
And given the cost of colleges nowadays, Cooper is concerned that students will not be getting their money's worth.
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