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Overview

Applications for Fall 2023 are now closed.

Gap Year programs are open to graduated high school students, ages 18-21. All prospective Gap students are required to complete an online application. Our online application can be completed in a few basic steps. As students work through their application, they may save their progress and return to the application prior to final submission.

There is also an online application for Financial Aid. Financial assistance is awarded based on a combination of merit and need. In order to be considered for financial aid, students must submit a completed program application, followed by a financial aid application.

Overview The Application Interview Process Application Timeline Financial Aid FAQs Contact Us

The Application

To complete an application:

1. Fill out basic information
2. Complete a Personal Statement (250-500 words)
3. Pay a $50 application fee
4. Submit a Transcript and School Report:* Forms must include the school’s grading system and the most recent completed semester grades. Transcripts must be in English and do not need to be official. Report cards for the last two years are acceptable.

*The online application portal will prompt students to submit a transcript after payment of the application fee. Applications will not be considered complete until the transcript has been received. Failure to submit a transcript by the application deadline may result in rejection or declined admission.

Interview Process

Once an application is fully submitted, the admissions committee will review. If the Admissions Committee decides that more information is needed, select applicants will be invited to interview over video-conference. Applicants can be admitted or rejected without interviewing.

Application Timeline

All applications are carefully reviewed by our admissions committee. Each application is reviewed holistically and qualified students who have demonstrated both a genuine interest in Gap Year and a strong academic background will be considered for admission to the program. Students will receive an admissions decision via the email address provided on their application within two-three weeks. Accepted students will be required to submit a nonrefundable deposit within two weeks of notification of their admissions decision.

Space is strictly limited so we strongly encourage students to submit their applications as early as possible. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, however there are key deadlines for each semester, which are listed on the program overview page.

Financial Aid

The final deadline to be considered for financial aid varies by semester. Please visit the overview page for dates.

We aim to provide affordable educational opportunities to as many qualified applicants as possible. All students are encouraged to apply for Financial Aid. Financial assistance is awarded based on a combination of need and merit.

If you are interested in applying for financial aid, you must first submit a program application. After applying to the program, you will receive an email with a direct link to the financial aid application, which you must complete within 5 days.

The application can be completed online in a few easy steps:

1. Fill out basic information
2. Submit most recent two consecutive years of tax forms
3. Provide an optional statement describing any financial history or special circumstances

Financial Aid is available to students who have been accepted into the program and have chosen to apply for Financial Aid. Students must submit a completed program application, followed by a Financial Aid application at the same deadline in which they are applying.

Review Process
Financial Aid applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Applicants are notified of their Financial Aid decision at the same time as their program admissions decision. Failure to submit all required materials and a complete program application may result in a rejection or declined offer.

FAQs

HEALTH & SAFETY:

Where can I find COVID-related health and safety information?
We have updated our on-site rules and procedures for safe access and the mitigation of risk of Coronavirus transmission. Click here to read about our resources and policies.


APPLICATION & ADMISSIONS:

What is TADS?
TADS is our third-party secure application portal. All students applying to Gap Year must apply online through the portal. We do not accept paper applications.

Are applications reviewed on a rolling basis?
Yes, applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. While we provide the suggested deadlines to apply, please note there is limited space, so we encourage students to submit their applications as soon as possible to increase their chances of being accepted.

Do you require test scores?
No, we do not require or request test scores when considering admission to the Gap Year programs.

Do transcripts have to be official?
Transcripts do not have to be official. Unofficial copies are acceptable.

What is a school report?
A school report has information about the school, its curriculum, and grading system. Your school office or guidance counselor should be able to provide this information.

After my application is submitted, can I change it?
No, once an application has been submitted, you are not allowed to change it. Please contact the admissions office at precollege@sia.edu if you have any questions.

How do I upload my required documents?
After the application fee is paid and form is submitted online, students will then be prompted to upload their required documents to the TADS system. Students can log back into their account at any time to upload their documents.

How will I be notified of an Admissions decision?
All applicants will receive an official admission decision via email within one to two weeks after their admissions interview. If admitted to the program, the admitted student will be required to submit a nonrefundable deposit within two weeks of notification of their admission decision to enroll in the program.

I’ve been accepted, how to I enroll?
All admitted students must complete the enrollment form through their TADS account by clicking the “Enrollment” tab and submit a nonrefundable deposit to guarantee their space in the Gap Year London program.


INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS:

Do you provide student visas for international students?
Depending on your country of origin, you may not require a visa to participate in Gap Year London. Generally, the Standard Visitor visa may be the most appropriate visa to use to participate in the program; however, we strongly encourage international students to contact their country of origin’s embassy/government office to confirm. The Institute can provide letters of verification upon request. We also encourage international students to visit the UK Government Visa website for additional details.

Do you require a TOEFL score?
While we do not require test scores, all international applicants should have an adequate understanding or verbal and written English language.

Are international students eligible to apply to the Gap Year London program and for Financial Aid?
All students, both domestic and international, that meet our age and grade requirements are eligible to apply and participate in our Gap Year London Program and may apply for Financial Aid. Please note that when applying for Financial Aid, international students must provide proof of income in English.


ACADEMICS:

Will there be an orientation before the Program starts?
About 3-4 weeks before the start of the program, we will be hosting a Zoom orientation for participants. This will provide you with more specifics about the dormitories, the campus, your schedule, and will be a chance for you to meet the programming team. Additionally, the first week of the program will include a more detailed orientation that is designed to help you become acquainted with London, the program, and your classmates.

Can this program be used for college credit?
While college credit is currently not offered, The Institute equips students with access to academic counselors throughout the term who can help explore and outline next steps after the program.

Will students receive certificate of completion or an individualized evaluation?
Students will receive the following as part of the course:

  • A certificate of completion will be awarded for the course provided the student has a good attendance record (80% min.) and, in the view of the Course Director and Course Leaders, the student has entered into the spirit of the program, participated fully, and completed the projects set to a satisfactory standard. Small prizes will also be awarded to recognize particular successes.
  • There will be an individualized evaluation in each case, though this is likely to be a discussion rather than a written evaluation document.

STUDENT EXPERIENCE:

Where in London is the accommodation located?
Student accommodation lies at the nexus of three historic areas of London: Islington, Shoreditch, and Clerkenwell. These areas are all within a 5 minute walk of your accommodation and a 20-25 minute tube or bus ride from campus.

Will students need to cook their meals?
Yes, students will take cookery classes during the first week of the program and students will be shown where local provisions can be purchased for their self-catering accommodation. Occasional dinners featuring special guests are hosted by the Program Director. We accommodate a range of dietary restrictions and preferences.

What is the recommended daily/weekly budget for students?
As a guideline, we would budget approximately £35 – £40 per day for food, drinks, public transport, and spending money. We will be providing one dinner out per week, as a part of our Guest Supper Series. We will also be providing a cooking class to help students manage mealtimes at their accommodation.

What travel/health insurance do you recommend?
We suggest that families visit the gov.uk website here, which provides a guide on foreign travel insurance. This guide provides a comprehensive overview and specific information relating to individual circumstances. We cannot advise regarding students insurance.

Contact Us

To schedule a counseling session with an admissions officer, please contact:

precollege@sia.edu
+1 646-665-1861