Planning your gap

Resources & tips for the Class of 2021

Take advantage of Early Action

Excited about EF Gap Year and eager to lock down your plans? Consider applying Early Action. You’ll fast-track your application and secure your spot in our 2021 cohort just in time for the holidays. Applying Early Action guarantees:

  • Priority scheduling for your admissions interview
  • A decision within 2 weeks of submitting your application
  • A secured spot within the program, particularly for more competitive program modules
  • The opportunity to apply for scholarships earlier

The Early Action deadline for our Fall 2021 programs is Nov. 1, 2020.

Access the Application
Admissions process overview
  1. Step
    Choose your program

    Learn about our programs and decide which one is right for you, as well as the modules that best fit your interests and goals.

  2. Step
    Submit your application

    In the application, you’ll be asked to pick your program, choose your intended modules and destinations, and tell us more about yourself. Don’t worry, your selections are not binding, and this is not your college application—just a few questions to make sure the program is a good fit for you.

    You can access the application here.

  3. Step
    Interview

    If we think your application is a good fit, you’ll be invited to interview with someone on our team. Within a week of your interview, you’ll hear back about your admissions decision.

  4. Step
    Reserve your spot

    Once accepted, reserve your spot on our program by putting down a deposit and selecting your payment plan.

  5. Step
    Apply for scholarships and funding

    Every year, EF Gap Year awards up to $50,000 in merit-based scholarships to help students offset the cost of their program. You might look into other private or community-based means of fundraising too. For more information, check out Scholarships and Fundraising.

How to defer from college

Almost all colleges have in place systems and policies that allow students to defer their enrollment at the college before beginning their first year. This process—called “deferral”—varies slightly from school to school, but it involves a few easy steps that allow you to have your space ready and waiting for you when you return from your gap year! Check out our tips and FAQs on how to defer successfully.

Learn More

25 weeks
EF Gap Year Itinerary

Gain documented skills and grow in key areas of global citizenship: travel abroad, language proficiency, service learning, internship, and leadership development.

View Itinerary
  • Orientation
  • European Immersion
  • Language Study
  • Service Learning
12 weeks
EF Gap Semester Itinerary

Start your EF Gap Semester in either September or January. You decide how you'll focus your gap experience by customizing two of your four modules with your choice.

View Itinerary
  • Orientation
  • European Immersion
  • Custom Module A
  • Custom Module B
Upcoming webinars (bring a parent!)

Attending a webinar is a great way to learn more about our program and have your questions answered. We encourage you to invite your parents and anyone else who might be involved in the gap decision making process.

Submit your application and fast-track your EF Gap Year acceptance.

Access the Application