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What is a Gap Year? “An intentional period of time devoted to personal growth and exploration through experiential learning opportunities.” - Gap Year Association
Most colleges are very supportive of students who take a year off from formal studies before enrolling in college. Interested students typically still apply to college as usual during senior year, and once admitted, request to defer enrollment by writing to the college with an outline of your plans and reasons for the request, often by a deadline in May or early summer. The primary expectation is that a student develops and pursues a plan of activity that may include service, work, travel, part-time academic study, or a formal gap year program.
Applications to gap year programs typically are due in winter or early spring of senior year (after you submit college applications). The application may or may not involve a selection process; some offer direct enrollment if eligible. Decisions would be shared by programs in time to coordinate with any college plans. SPA’s college counselors will be happy to advise you through this process.
If pursuing a formal gap year program (versus a self-designed set of experiences) it is important to focus on accredited programs meeting the standards set by the Gap Year Association. Other programs are well worth considering, just note these resources and reviews.
Read more about the benefits of a gap year
Attend a Virtual Gap Year Fair: The USA Gap Year association (part of GoOverseas.com) hosts several online “fairs" which are a great way to gain general advice plus insight on several participating programs. Search HERE for Gap Year Fair “location” and choose Virtual Sessions to find dates.
Dive into the extensive resources provided by the following organizations, including program listings and search tools, plus avenues for consulting with an advisor about options - including often a free several organizations that are experts on Gap Years and have been doing this work for decades.
Click the following links to suggested programs
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