What do you do when a gap year program application comes back with nothing but crickets? Strategize and revamp that bad boy! If you’re reading this article, you’re probably seeking wisdom on how to make your gap year application really pop. Or, you’ve had a few gap year applications land in the reject file and need some guidance. Whatever your reasoning, with an airtight gap year application, you can improve your gap year application and make it far from a flop.
Gap year applications get rejected for all sorts of reasons. Sometimes, applicants get caught up in the “year off” stereotypes or wanderlust fog...and they don’t take their application seriously enough. Without even realizing it, many aspiring gappers accidentally overlook crucial steps in their program applications. Hey, we’ll be the first ones to tell you that gap years are AWESOME experiences that have huge impacts on personal, academic, and professional futures. But to earn that awesomeness, you’ve gotta treat your program application like the potentially life changing venture it is!
The great thing about applying to gap year programs is that it’s generally not too intense of a process...that’s if you tackle those applications the right way. And with these gap year program application tips you’ll have those acceptances rollin in in no time.
Before you apply for anything, make sure you fulfill the basics
Would you bungee into the Amazon with tattered harnesses? Go scuba diving without checking your oxygen tank levels? Uh, negative! Give your gap year application the same TLC you’d give yourself. Your goal is to submit your application on the strongest foundation possible. That means giving yourself ample time to submit a quality application and make an informed decision about the best program for you. So, before you click that submit button on any paperwork check these gap year program application tips.
Surpass requirements.
If ever there was a time to go above and beyond that time is now. With some of the most exclusive gap year programs, you’re gonna have some stiff competition in the application pool. So you can’t just schlep together an application doing the bare minimum.
Let’s say you’re considering a medical volunteering gap year in Brazil. Then beef up your resume by getting a first aid certification or taking a beginner's Portuguese course. That’s the extra oomph that will improve your gap year application and have it standing out from the bunch. Still on the fence about our overachieving gap year program application tips? Watch how submitting your application a few weeks or even months early (and not at 11:59pm the night before deadline) will have you shining with your program admins!
Make sure you can pay for it.
“Gap years are dirt cheap (said no gapper before!).”
Unless you’ve got a sweet benefactor, your gap year is gonna cost you some bread. There’s your application and program fees, airfare, pocket money for living abroad, and probably more. So as soon as you get the feeling you’re ready to gap, it’s time to crunch some numbers. You can make a simple budget to get a feel for what your gap year will cost ya. And if you find the price tag is a reach, don’t give up—there are doable steps you can take to help you cover gap year expenses. Look into more affordable programs or countries (there are some great ones out there!), apply for travel scholarships, and save up with a side hustle.
Check your schedule.
Gaze into your mental crystal ball and look into your future. Do you have any major commitments coming up that would clash with a gap year? Would you rather travel before your freshman year of college or right after senior year? Is your favorite cousin getting married next spring and would she be (or you) be crushed if you missed the wedding? How soon is the deadline for deferring your college admission? Iron out your timeline before you select your preferred gap year travel date on an application.
Meet with your academic advisor.
If you’re a student, schedule a meeting with your school advisor before you send in any gap year application. For starters, they can help you find some pretty amazing gap year programs and improve your gap year application too. They’re also fantastic at ironing out all the details for academic credit stuff too. Wondering how to go about taking a gap year in the middle of school? Have some questions about if you’ll receive college credits for a marketing internship gap year program? Hit these guys up!
Vet your options.
You might be tempted to apply to the first few programs that pop up in Google, but do yourself a favor and dig a little deeper. Remember that you have plenty of options because there are loads of programs out there to match just about every interest, goal, and personality type. However, it’s best to get a good feel for a program, it’s track record, and how it matches your interests before applying. That’s because the better the fit, the stronger applicant you’ll be, and the more meaningful your gap year experience will be!
Take the time to thoroughly read through program literature and reviews from past gappers before you apply. Picking the right gap year program can make or break your gap year experience and how it will translate when it comes time to do college/job applications.
Research locations.
Make sure you’ve done some research on what countries appeal most to you. Is there a certain language you want to become fluent in? Perhaps there’s a culture you’ve always wanted to learn more about and gapping in Bali would be the perfect way to do it. This is why it pays to immerse yourself in a little global studies. Hey, you might uncover a fascination with a country you never knew you were interested in before! A genuine effort in narrowing down your favorite gap year locales will ensure your application net is headed in the right direction.
What do you want to do?
Remember: gap years are so much more than just an extended vacay spent beach-bumming. It’s your time to craft a meaningful international experience in a way that benefits your short and long-term goals. Think about how you want to do your gap year: working, interning, learn, volunteering, or adventure traveling? Assessing gap year program options and how they match your goals will help you make the most informed program choice. When you’re matched with the right programs, that’s when the application magic happens.
Do some introspection.
Have you ever thought about what activities or interests light the fire within your soul? Or maybe there are certain world issues you’re very passionate about. When you have a feel for your passions and talents, you can get matched up with programs tailor made to your interests, making for a more meaningful and overall enjoyable gap year experience.
If you’re feeling a bit foggy about your interests, think about taking on some extracurriculars or volunteering now to help awaken those sleeping passions. This kind of clarity will also guide you to the best programs to apply to.
Keep your options wide.
There’s always that one program that’s super enticing, but don’t sell yourself short by becoming obsessed with that one alone. Applying to a handful of programs will increase your chances of being admitted to a gap year program abroad.
Create a system.
Keeping your options wide also means several different application forms, required documents, and deadlines for each program you apply to. Save yourself the headache and stay organized from the beginning. Something as simple as a few file folders or an organizational app can keep you on target and organized so that you don’t overlook or confuse any application requirements.
Give yourself ample time!
We can’t stress this enough because it impacts just about every aspect of a gap year application. The earlier you start researching programs and learning about the different application fees and requirements, the better for you and your application. For example, some applications require a copy of your passport or medical clearance. However, getting them can take weeks or more. Once you know what you need apply for it right away!
How to nail the application
- Have clear goals. What do you hope to accomplish personally during your time abroad. How will this specific program and experience help you reach those goals?
- Write passionately. Give the organization a sense of interest that lies deep within (none of that surface level stuff). They want students who want to learn and are committed to cultural immersion and exploration.
- Show independence. You don’t want a babysitter and your program leader doesn't want to babysit you. In your application, provide examples that prove you can handle being on your own in a foreign country.
- Express curiosity. More than anything, to be a successful gap year participant you need a willingness to learn and take advantage of any and all opportunities presented. Showcase your love of learning. This will seriously increase your chances of being admitted to a gap year program abroad
- Check eligibility. Make sure you fit their requirements of participants (nationality, GPA, degree/major qualifications, etc) otherwise you may discount your application even before they get to the good stuff!.
- Finesse your resume. If a program asks for your resume, have an academic advisor, mentor, or other professional look over your resume. They can help you update it, make it look more professional, and give some useful constructive criticism. sharpen it up and even For all you know, you may have overlooked listing marketable skills on your resume that will help your application stand out even more. You can even ask them to proofread your application for typos you may have missed.
- Practice interviewing. Some programs may ask that you do an in person or online interviews with their applicants. Take some time to research common interview questions and practice mock interviews with your parents, counselor, or even your friends. Study up on the organization’s goals and have your responses ready. While you won’t be prepared for every single question, this kind of prepping works wonders for overall interview preparedness.
Follow our gap year program application tips & you’ll be admitted in no time!
If you’re too chill about putting together your gap year application, you’re more likely to
make totally avoidable but critical errors that can make or break your application. Something as small as a college freshman applying to a program for highschool seniors can get your application canned. You’ll be left feeling bummed out. Plus, you’ll have wasted your own precious time and have to start the process all over again. And that’s all the more reason to put in a top notch effort on your first go round of applications.
While our gap year program application tips do require some extra elbow grease, it will so be worth it! You’ll stand out from that long stack of apps in the program’s office and sleep peacefully knowing you made a proper effort.
Are you ready to give your future self the proper send off it deserves? Now that you know how to Increase your chances of being admitted to a gap year program abroad, you totally can. Follow our gap year program application tips, send those applications in, and get ready to knock em dead!
Download Our Gap Year Program Application Checklist for FREE
Look for the Perfect Gap Year Program Now
Start Your Search