<p>I do remember you, 5boys! And yes, your son’s gap year was incredible! Thank you for the detailed info on how he went about requesting the gap year and what you had to do. I’ll save all this good info for when/if it is needed.</p>
<p>For another perspective, my D is currently on a gap year. Hers came up more last minute - she only found out that the opportunity she was hoping for came through on June 30 (well after we had deposited, she had registered for classes, etc. at her chosen college). She contacted the admissions office by e-mail and their first response was that she would have to write a formal letter indicating what she wanted to do for the year and have that approved by the Dean of Admissions. Sounds easy, right? BUT then they said that she would have to re-compete for her merit scholarship. That was a tough thing (especially since she had already turned down a much bigger merit scholarship at another University that hadthe possibility of the gap year built right into the offer letter). And re-competing this coming year was not an option since she would not be available for the mandatory scholarship weekend event.</p>
<p>My DH and I then got involved. We called the admissions office directly and more fully explained the opportunity (touring with Disney on Ice). The next day the Dean called us back and approved the deferral, including the merit scholarship. The college kept the deposit and my D has to write the Dean of Admissions by Feb 1 2014 and formally indicate her desire to start Fall 2014. So it all worked out. But sometimes, the official policy has to get “bent” a little.</p>
<p>^^ That is one of the coolest gap years I’ve ever heard of. :)</p>
<p>No kidding, LasMa! That’s a great story, momofzag, and I really appreciate you sharing!</p>
<p>Thanks - we’re proud of her and she is living the dream (at least for a year).</p>
<p>But I am equally impressed by the gap year Wilderness EMT experience and many others I have heard of.</p>
<p>I am convinced more and more that if a substantive experience can be arranged for the year that the student is interested in, that a gap year is a really great idea.</p>
<p>I am glad that we went through the college app process already and have everything set for next year. It would be very cumbersome to try and do it now during the gap year when she is away.</p>