Students taking time off also worry that not graduating with their class may be particularly difficult. For some, it is.

"It was different," says Richard Lee. "The people I knew were sophomores. They're seniors now."

But some who have taken time off have gotten around this problem.

Jennifer Lee says that she considers herself lucky to have been sure of her concentration early. Because of this, Lee was able to take advanced standing and fulfill several concentration requirements during her first year. Thus, despite taking time off, Lee will be able to graduate with her class.

Still others worry how taking time off will look to future employers.

"There's a misperception that taking time off is a cop out," Jennifer Lee says. "But the default action is continuing school. Taking time off actually shows employers that you don't always go with the status quo."

It's Worth It

Despite the drawbacks, most students who have taken time off say the experience was valuable.

In fact, spending time away from Harvard actually made many students enjoy Harvard more once they returned.

"I think when you come back you appreciate a lot more the opportunities here," says Richard Lee. "You're not as stressed out about things. I'm enjoying my classes for the first time. I can equate these classes with real world applications."

Jennifer Lee says she believes her time off will also help her be more successful at Harvard.

"I've learned so much more what my priorities will be when I get back to Harvard, extracurricularly and academically," she says. "It's really nice to be able to get that when you still have time left at Harvard."

Thorpe says his grades improved when he came back to Harvard after his first semester off. "In many ways I felt better adjusted," he says. "I was more able to get my work done. I had a better focus."

"I treated classes like a real job with real deadlines," continues Thorpe. "The thing about classes is that nobody really forces you to be successful in them. Microsoft is intense. If you don't succeed, there is a lot of pressure and they make sure you understand how to get things done. That was extraordinarily worthwhile."

Morton says he hopes he will benefit from his experience in the same way.

"Hopefully when I get back I'll care more about my studies and learn more," Morton says.

Morton says he is already seeing the benefits of taking time off. Not having school work to worry about, Morton has been able to devote more time to activities he enjoys.

"Almost immediately I read the first book I had read for pleasure since I came to Harvard."

Overall, students interviewed say they are glad they took time off.

"I would suggest it to anybody," says Richard Lee. "Looking at seniors now--seeing how they're fretting away--I'm glad I had the experience."