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Malia Obama Is Taking a Gap Year Before Attending Harvard: The Internet Weighs In

Malia Obama, Barack Obama
Barack Obama and Malia Obama make their way to board Air Force One before departing from Chicago OHare International Airport on April 7, 2016. Mandel Ngan/AFP/Getty Images

Ready to take on the world! President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle announced on Sunday, May 1, that their daughter Malia will be attending Harvard University in the fall of 2017.

The White House also confirmed that she will take a gap year before beginning school — and celebs and internet users alike weighed in on social media about the teen's upcoming one-year break.

Related: PHOTOS: Malia and Sasha Obama's Best Styles Through the Years

Malia, 17, has yet to announce what she plans to do during the gap year. Many students spend their time off traveling and volunteering.

“Harvard College encourages admitted students to defer enrollment for one year to travel, pursue a special project or activity, work or spend time in another meaningful way,” the website for the university’s admissions office reads. “Each year, between 80 and 110 students defer their matriculation to the College.”

Related: PHOTOS: Obama Family: Just Like Us!

Holly Robinson Peete immediately took to Twitter on Sunday to express her approval.

“Love that Malia is attending @Harvard #legacyschool,” the For Peete’s Sake star wrote. “Many Harvard admits do a gap year btw Smart move. Great family.”

Originals writer Carina MacKenzie, on the other hand, disagreed with the eldest Obama daughter’s decision.

“Announcement: I too have decided to take a gap year before the rest of my adulthood,” she tweeted. “See you on the other side, responsibilities.”

Related: PHOTOS: Obama Family Album

Other social media users joked about the gap year. One user wrote, “Wait a minute. Malia Obama is going to work at The Gap for a year?” while another noted, “Everyone criticizing #MaliaObama for taking a gap year just proves she should take the gap year.”

Related: PHOTOS: President Obama's A-List Pals

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