Gap Year Resources
Each year
…approximately fifty Penn students chose to take a gap year, whether as admitted high school seniors prior to matriculating, or between years at Penn.
They pursue passions and interests, gain work experience, travel, nurture relationships with family and friends, and more. When they return to campus, these students frequently report that their gap year has been a deeply meaningful and formative experience, and studies indicate that the benefits of taking a gap year are many and wide-ranging.
“My time in Ecuador has taught me so much about relationships and the importance of deep human connection. As I embark on the next chapter in my life following my gap year, I will cherish the relationships that I have made and will use the lessons that I have learned from them to continue connecting with others.”
Jeffrey Fishman
CAS ’23
student Voices – GAP YEAR EXPERIENCeS
Information & Next Steps
Gap Year Approval
If you are an admitted student interested in applying to take a gap year, you must first reply “Yes” to Penn’s offer of admission. Once you have completed this step, a Gap Year Request form will appear on your Penn Applicant Portal. This form should be submitted as soon as possible, with deadlines set in by the Office of Admissions each year.
All requests for taking a gap year are reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the Dean of Admissions. Students can also contact applicants@admissions.upenn.edu for additional information or questions.
Please note: Admissions can only process gap year requests that come through the required form in the Penn Applicant Portal; please do not make gap year requests via email.
Stories on Our Blog
Gap Year Experiences
Penn Post-Gap Year
The first step to getting connecting and transitioning to life at Penn after your gap year is to join Penn’s Gap Year Association. This group is dedicated to supporting these students and helping them find resources, connect with upperclassmen, and build meaningful relationships. The Association is also a space for incoming first-year students who are considering taking a gap year to learn more.
Additional Recommendations:
1.
Build on Your Experience
Seek out student groups and clubs that relate to your gap year experience. Whether you want to practice your language skills, engage with arts and culture, or continue your engagement with a particular country or region, Penn has student groups for practically everything
2.
Engage Through Your Coursework
Search for classes or reach out to faculty whose work aligns with your interests. Attend office hours – even if you’re not taking a class with that particular professor!
3.
Go Abroad Again
Penn Abroad offers not only traditional semester study abroad options, but also short-term abroad experiences including Penn Global Seminars (courses that integrate a travel component during breaks in the academic year) and the Global Research and Internship Program (8-12 week-long summer internship placements overseas).
4.
Share Your Story
Aside from being featured on the Gap Year Experiences website using the form on this page, Gap year returnees are invited to share their stories on the Penn Abroad Blog. You can submit a blog post on our blog submissions page. Kept a blog during your gap year? Submit your best post and it could be cross-listed on our site. Penn Abroad is always looking for ways to highlight Penn’s global community.