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Fall and Spring Requirements

Fall 2024

April 15
Priority Application Deadline
Apply early for better access to competitive internships and housing.
June 15
Guaranteed Housing Deadline
Students who deposit by June 15 are guaranteed Gap housing for the Fall 2023 semester. We cannot guarantee housing for students who deposit after June 15th, and definitively cannot provide housing for students who deposit after July 15. 
June 15
Final Application Deadline
June 30
Final Deposit Deadline
August
Program Start Date
December
Program End Date
 

Spring 2025

October 31
Priority Application Deadline
Apply early for better access to competitive internships and housing.
December 1
Guaranteed Housing Deadline
Students who deposit by December 1 are guaranteed Gap housing for the Spring 2023 semester. We cannot guarantee housing for students who deposit after December 1st.
November 15
Final Application Deadline
December 1
Final Deposit Deadline
January 16
Program Start Date
April 29
Program End Date

*The AU Gap Program aligns with the American University Academic Calendar.

American University's Gap Year program is a very selective program designed for mature, motivated, and independent students with a strong leadership skills. Gap Year students share classes with high achieving undergraduate students in the Washington Semester Program. The Gap Year program is open to U.S. students only.

Eligibiliy requirements:
Applicants must meet the minimum university requirements for pre-college study:

  • high school diploma
  • GPA: 3.2 (minimum)

Admissions decisions are based on your:

  • application
  • transcripts from all institutions attended (high school and any college)
  • 2 essay questions (500-words each)
  • 2 letters of recommendation (academic advisor + 1 other)
  • 2 interviews (virtual or in-person)
  1. Create an account.
  2. After you have created an account, complete the application.
  3. After you have submitted the first portion of your application, you must return to your account and complete supplemental items (once you refresh the page, supplemental items should be an option).

    Note: Your application will not be considered until you have submitted the required supplemental items.

In addition to the online application, applicants must submit either electronically (upload with your application) or via mail:

  • Official copy of current high school transcript or international equivalent
  • Letter of Recommendation from a high school academic counselor
  • Letter of Recommendation from an extracurricular or community contact   
  • 2 Interviews (in-person or virtual)

Your supplemental items may also be submitted by email to augap@american.edu.

Mail Via United States Postal Service (USPS):

Washington Semester Program
Office of Enrollment
4400 Massachusetts Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20016-8124

Mail Via Courier Service (UPS, FedEx, DHL):

Office of Enrollment
4801 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
Suite 218
Washington, DC 20016-8001

Applicants who meet the eligibility requirements and have a complete application will be invited for two interviews before a final admissions decision is made.

If the applicant is local to the DC, MD, VA area, applicants are welcome to request an in-person interview.