How to Earn College Credit During Your Gap Year

In the past, few high school grads took gap years. In today’s college landscape, however, deferring college for a year after acceptance is becoming commonplace. The best part? Colleges have become much more accepting of gap years.

Some schools offer their own for-credit gap programs for admitted students, and many honor credits earned through certain third-party gap programs. Now, high school grads can explore the world, gain clarity toward their goals before starting college, and still earn college credit.

Colleges with their own gap programs

• Princeton University: One of the most selective ways to do a gap year, Princeton offers a select number of admitted students the opportunity to participate in a nine-month, tuition-free volunteer program abroad. Participating in the Novogratz Bridge Year Program, students volunteer in Bolivia, China, India, Indonesia or Senegal. While abroad, Bridge Year participants study the local language, live with carefully selected families, volunteer in organizations serving the needs of local communities, and engage in various cultural enrichment activities.
• St. Norbert College: This small liberal arts college in Wisconsin offers big rewards from their gap semester experience. which offers a combination of service, adventure, exploration, and cultural experiences. Starting in New Mexico and finishing off in Guatemala, students scale mountains, canoe crystal lakes, hike volcanoes and live in the wilderness. They interact with the cultures in every location while completing three college classes from any major they choose and satisfying the college’s curriculum requirements.
• Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M): Allows you to gain 28 ECTS (European Credit Transfer System) and is taught in Spanish and English. The program lasts for one semester and gives students a chance to immerse yourself in the Spanish language, learn about the "reality of business and work", and how to understand your place in the workforce.

Earn college credit through a private program

• American University: Located in the international and globally minded community of Washington, D.C., the American University gap year program is designed to help students prepare for college and career preparation. Students intern three days a week with organizations like the National Geographic Society or the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and also earn seven pre-matriculation college credits by taking one academic seminar and a professional development class at the universityAmerican University.
• Carpe Diem: With Carpe Diem, students can travel abroad to a variety of destinations while learning and gaining college credit. Participants are accountable for documenting their experiences to use toward credits. In partnership with Portland State University, students can earn college credit (and use financial aid) while participating in a Carpe Diem program. Students can also transfer credits to a school of choice at a later date.
• Youth International Gap Year Program: The focus of Youth International is for students to experience learning during travel and cultural exchange. Students travel to Nepal to stay in local homes, volunteer within the community, and participate in outdoor excursions. Thanks to an affiliation with Western State Colorado University, students can earn college credits through complementary reading and reflective writing. Students do not need college acceptance to participate and can use the credits if enrolled at a later date.

Additionally, some colleges and universities will accept a gap year as an independent study course at their school. However, you must make the arrangements and gain approval before you start the program. If you can prove that the gap year you choose will help you reach your educational and professional goals, there’s a good chance your college may award you some credit.

Once the college accepts your program request, you'll need to provide proof of participation. Some colleges might require weekly video and email check-ins with an advisor. Others might request a research paper at the end of your program.

Gap years are more than time off from the rigors of school and study. If you plan ahead, choose the right program and coordinate with your college, it can be beneficial for you academically and personally.