Gap FAQs
Clarity and communication is important to us at SOAR. If you have further questions, please contact us!
Outlined below are answers to the most common questions we receive from parents before, during, and after GAP.
For answers to common financial related questions, go here!
Gap Year & College
Q. What do U.S. colleges say about taking a gap year?
Leading US colleges and universities, and notably Harvard University, are openly supporting a gap year for admitted freshman, recognizing that by taking a productive year out, students enter college with more maturity and self-confidence and better wisdom and experience to handle the upcoming challenges. Many universities now allow accepted students to defer entrance one year.
Q. How do I defer my college entrance so I can take a gap year?
Make a formal request in writing after you have accepted admission. Ensure your request demonstrates a well-structured plan with an outline of the goals and benefits you hope to gain during your gap year. Discuss why you want to defer admission, what you hope to do during the semester or year off, and why you want to hold your place at the college. These requests are often granted, and students go on to do many exciting things.
Q. I want to take a gap year before college. Should I even apply for college first?
Even if you know ahead of time that you may want to take a gap year, you should go through the college application process during your senior year, and choose a college. You may then be able to defer admission one year. It’s best to contact the colleges’ admissions office directly to ask them if it is included in any of their written admissions policies.
Q. If I take a gap year won't I be older than other students when I start college?
Nowadays most students matriculate at different ages and you’ll also find that many other students will have taken a year out like yourself.
General FAQs
Q. When is the best time to take a gap year?
Most students take a gap year between the end of high school and the beginning of college or career. If not taking a whole year, some students take time over summer vacation or even a semester off. Others go after college, but before entering graduate school or starting a career.
Q. Does a gap year last a whole year?
A gap year can help you:
- Clarify your career interests and goals
- Develop your organizational and life skills
- Renew your passion for college coursework and learning
- Gain a sense of maturity and self-confidence
- Discover your interests and passions, prior to committing to college
- Broaden your perspective of other cultures, views and global awareness
- Improve job prospects with employers seeking grads with practical experience
Q. What are the benefits of taking a gap year?
Not necessarily! While some programs last a full year, others are shorter in duration. The GAP Year at SOAR lasts about 8 months, which we believe gives participants an appropriate length of time to focus on personal growth and development. If you are looking for programs throughout the summer, we do offer a Postgraduate Adventure program as part of our Summer Camp programs in North Carolina.
Q. Is SOAR's GAP program co-educational?
Yes. The Gap Year at SOAR is co-ed. Participants will all live together on base and share common areas. This setting allows them to experience real-life responsibilities in a real-life setting—interacting with peers, cooking meals, doing laundry, organizing their space, and planning for their next trip.
