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Questions About GAP Year? We’ve Got You Covered!

This page gathers all the frequent questions from prospective students and their families — covering admissions, daily life, expeditions, safety, payments, and more. Whether you’re curious about what to expect, how to prepare, or how to join, you’ll find clear answers here to help you feel confident about starting your GAP Year journey with SOAR.

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APPLICATION DEADLINES FOR 2024-25

Application Deadlines for 2024–25: When to Apply for Your Gap Year Experience

Regular Enrollment

Application Deadline: April 15
Decision Deadline: May 1
10 spots available
No discount
Fall Tuition due July 15

Tuition Payment

Application Deadline: August 15
Decision Deadline: September 1
5 spots available
No discount
Fall Tuition due immediately

Apply Now

Your GAP Year Journey Starts Here: A Simple, Supportive Admissions Process

Step 1

Chat and Apply

Begin with a friendly conversation with our Admissions Director. This optional call helps ensure the GAP Year experience is the right fit for your goals and needs.
 After that, you’ll complete a short initial application in CampInTouch and submit the non-refundable application fee.

Step 2

Your Full Application

Once the initial application is submitted, your full application will open automatically.

We encourage you to begin right away — it gives you the best chance to stay on track and receive an admission decision sooner.

Step 3

The Interview

Next, our Admissions Director will schedule an interview with you (the future Gapper!) and at least one parent or guardian. This usually takes place within two weeks of applying.

After the interview and reference check, you’ll typically receive an admissions decision within three business days.

Step 4

Your Offer

Accepted students may request an optional in-person visit before making a final decision. 

Families usually have up to two weeks to accept their offer (with additional time provided if a campus visit is scheduled).

Step 5

Welcome to GAP!

Once you accept your offer, your enrollment packet will appear in your CampInTouch account. 

From there, our team supports you through every step — from tuition deadlines to travel planning, packing, and program preparation. We’re here to make your transition smooth, informed, and exciting.

Gap Year & College:
Planning Your Future with Confidence

In this section, you’ll learn how GAP Year at SOAR supports students with ADHD, ASD, or LD in preparing for college, how deferrals work, and why colleges encourage students to step into adulthood with more experience and self-awareness.

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.

How do I defer my college entrance so I can take a gap year?

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I want to take a gap year before college. Should I even apply for college first?

If I take a gap year won't I be older than other students when I start college?

General FAQs:
What to Expect from a GAP Year at SOAR

Didn’t Find What You’re Looking for?

We’re here to help! Please reach out, and our team will be glad to answer any additional questions.

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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.

Does a gap year last a whole year?

What are the benefits of taking a GAP year?

Is SOAR's GAP program co-educational?

How structured is daily life? What support exists for executive functioning?

What training does the staff have in working with young adults with ADHD, ASD, or LD?

Is technology (phones, laptops) allowed, and how is it managed?

How does SOAR communicate with families during the program?

Ready To Take The First Step?

Deciding on the right path for your child isn’t easy. You want a program that truly understands their needs, builds their confidence, and gives them the tools to thrive. We’re here to help!

SOAR is an authorized permittee of the National Park Service and the National Forest Service. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in its programs on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital or family status. To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.

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