Gap Year Independent Learning Program
Turn your gap year into something more, something that counts. Earn academic credits while you gain new experiences.
The Gap Year Independent Learning Program gives admitted students who defer enrollment the opportunity to earn academic credit during their gap year through faculty-guided reflection, independent study, and portfolio development.
Students design a meaningful year—whether working, traveling, volunteering, or pursuing creative projects—and connect those experiences directly to their future Bennington education.
At the end of the year, students will present a completed portfolio on campus and can receive up to four academic credits toward their degree.
How the Gap Year Program Works
Students admitted to Bennington who choose to defer enrollment are eligible to apply. If selected, you will:
- Submit a short application describing your gap year plans
- Work one-on-one with a Bennington faculty mentor
- Meet virtually with faculty throughout the year
- Develop structured reflective practices around their experiences
- Present a final portfolio and presentation on campus
- Earn academic credit after completing the program successfully
This process helps students arrive at Bennington prepared, confident, and already engaged in the College’s self-directed learning model.
What You Might Do
There’s no single path. Recent students have pursued a wide range of projects shaped by their interests and goals, including:
- Worked in cities like New York
- Traveled and worked internationally
- Participated in community-based initiatives
- Created travel journals and chapbooks of poetry
- Developed food diaries and cookbooks
- Collaborated with domestic and international nonprofits
Whatever you pursue becomes a part of a deeper academic process. Your gap year experience will be developed into a structured academic reflection, guided and supported by faculty mentorship.
Why It Matters
Students who complete the Gap Year Independent Learning Program don’t just arrive, they arrive ready. Students often say they:
- Transition more confidently into college-level work
- Gain early experience with independent study
- Build strong relationships with faculty before arriving on campus
- Develop a portfolio connecting experience to academic goals
- Begin their Bennington education with momentum
It’s a meaningful way to turn a gap year into a credit-earning academic experience.
Eligibility and Deadline
All Bennington admitted students who defer their fall enrollment are eligible to apply.
Application deadline: August 22
Learn More About the Gap Year Experience
Watch stories from students who have completed the program and see how they shaped their year and prepared for life at Bennington.
For questions about the program: gapyear@bennington.edu
For questions about deferring enrollment: admissions@bennington.edu
