Highlight #1- Gap Year Programs

 

A relatively new addition to the many Gap Year programs being advertised, VERTO (vertoeducation.org) offers some advantages. The primary feature is that since you have to apply to a VERTO partner college or university and be accepted first, your earned academic credits are guaranteed to transfer to that college. There is a nice range of partner institutions so finding a fit should not be difficult. 

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Even if you are determined to take a Gap Year, Navigations 2College does not recommend skipping the college application process in your senior year. Applying to a college in the fall of your senior year ensures that your high school transcript, college counselor recommendation, and teacher recommendations are completed by people who actually know you as a student in their school and classrooms. The frequent turnover in teachers and staff can make it very difficult to get that level of support later on.

If you decide you could be happy and productive at one or more of the VERTO college partners, and you would love to take a Gap Year or Gap Semester before attending, then this program is at least worth exploring.

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The Verto application is similar to the Common Application and applicants must have a 2.5 GPA or above to be considered. It also requires a writing sample and a high school transcript. Credits are provided through a partnership with the Richard Bland College of William and Mary University. Study locations include England, Spain, Italy, the Czech Republic, Argentina, and Ireland.

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Cautions:

Verto offers a limited number of Opportunity Grants for students with financial need, but participants cannot utilize federal education loans or grants. Seats are limited also, and tuition does not include airfare and other travel costs, books, and personal expenses.

The Verto application is similar to the Common Application and applicants must have a 2.5 GPA or above to be considered. It also requires a writing sample and a high school transcript. Credits are provided through a partnership with the Richard Bland College of William and Mary University.

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Alternatives:

Most colleges and universities are happy to grant a Gap Year deferment to an accepted student, whether or not you will be taking approved courses such as Verto and some other Gap Year programs offer. However, you will have to pay a deposit to hold your place and must meet any other institutional requirements and deadlines. Discuss this with admissions after you have been accepted. Make sure to get advice on any course or program you are planning to take during your Gap period to find out if you will be able to get academic credit for it. Never assume. It will also be important to stay in touch with your college, file again for a fresh FAFSA assessment, and be acutely aware of deadlines for housing, course selection, and other institutional programs.

 

Note: Navigations2College does not accept compensation for reviewing any higher education institution or service. Contact information is provided only for the convenience of our readers and will not link directly to a website.