Gap Year
Here at Wilson, we find that students who have taken a gap year are fearless by nature. Undaunted by hard questions, unfazed by the impossible. Brave in the face of the unknown, and cautious in the realm of the familiar. These are our kind of people.
A Welcoming Community
A gap year changes you. It deepens your understanding of yourself and your place in the world. It sharpens your sense of what you want to do and who you want to be. And we know that your transition from a gap year experience must align with your college experience. The values that led you to take a gap year in the first place- intellectual curiosity, the desire to grow, hunger for a lived experience, a chance to reflect and pause before entering another academic environment- needs to be reflected in your college of choice. We believe we are that college. Some of the benefits gap year students experience at Warren Wilson include:
Gap year themed housing
Students returning from a gap year have the opportunity to live together with the shared understanding that comes from having a gap year experience.
Learn MoreA General Education that Matters
Our general education program is anchored by our commitment to civic identity, including courses in Social Justice, Intercultural Perspectives, Environmental Responsibility and Service Learning.
Learn MoreHands On
Hands-on learning that enhance your coursework through our Work and Community Engagement programs.
Learn MoreStudy Away
A variety of study away experiences that allow you to deepen your inter-cultural and professional experience.
Learn MorePreparing for a Gap Year?
If you are planning on taking a gap year, we encourage you to apply to Warren Wilson College now. Upon acceptance, you will be given the option of deferring your enrollment to the year following your gap experience. Deferring your enrollment will secure your financial aid for the following year. It will also allow you to fully experience fully your gap year without having to worry about applying to Warren Wilson in the middle of it.
Throughout your gap year, we will stay in touch with you (or a designated family member on your behalf) to keep you on track for the beginning of the school year.
Returning from a Gap Year?
If you are in the midst of or getting ready to return from a gap year, we welcome your application. Sharing your gap year experience in your application can help us get to know you and understand your interests and passions.
Gap Year Association
Are you seeking advice and information on planning a Gap Year? We’re proud to direct you to the Gap Year Association, a non-profit accreditation and standards-setting organization for Gap Years. Warren Wilson is proud to be the first Official Gap Year Association College.