It is not clear how many students are taking time out, but officials at several schools across the country say the number of students who apply but then ask for a deferment is increasing. Students are taking time out of the classroom to travel, reflect and participate in community service jobs or work so they can pay for college. Student who take time off and return to school within a year report that it helped them appreciate school more. Some universities such as the Northeastern University in Boston offer programs, which require students to work a semester at a job connected to their studies. The program is intended to help students get real life experience.