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Applying to the Deer Hill Gap Experience

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with final application deadline of August 31st, 2025. We accept up to 18 students total

We invite you to be honest and authentic with your application responses. Perfectionism isn’t our style; our process is not one of being critical, but rather of making sure that you and Deer Hill are a mutually positive fit.

Your application will be reviewed within 5 business days. Afterward, we’ll reach out to schedule an interview.

Interviews are approximately 45-60 minutes. We’ll ask not-so-scary questions like “What are you curious about in life?”. That said, we’ll also ask how you are doing with physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being, all in an effort to get to know you better. We may ask for references or a Release of Information if you are currently seeing a mental health specialist (to understand how we can best support you!).

After the interview and any necessary conversations with references or providers, we’ll make a decision within 3 business days.

If the Deer Hill Gap Experience speaks to you, we encourage you to apply now!

We think you’re pretty cool for applying to this program. Why? Because you’re looking for depth, meaning, purpose, adventure, excitement, inquiry, and all the good things in Life. And that’s what Deer Hill is all about. Remember: please be honest and real in your responses; show up as you are.

Important Notes:

-This application is to be completed ONLY by the person who is going to attend this program.

-Please be aware that we work only with students who sincerely want to be here. We do not work with students whose participation is being mandated by parents, counselors, or other professionals. Thank you for respecting this boundary.

-Please carefully read the Deer Hill Student Policies and the Essential Eligibility Criteria before applying. All students will be required to sign these policies during the enrollment process. These policies are vital to creating and maintaining an inclusive and supportive community, and must be agreed to.

Gap Semester Application

Personal Information

First Name(Required)

Middle Name(Required)

Last Name(Required)

Name You Go By(Required)

Pronouns(Required)

Email(Required)

Home Address and Town/City(Required)

Home Address State and Zip Code(Required)

Birth Date(Required)

Age at Program Start(Required)

Would you like to be considered for our Deer Hill Foundation Scholarship for Indigenous students, students of color, or other members of the BIPOC community? We have partial and full scholarships available. If you select yes, we will reach out to you with further details. Yes(Required)

Would you like to be considered for our need-based Deer Hill Foundation scholarship? We have partial scholarships available. If you select yes, we will reach out to you with further details.(Required)

Are there any physical or mental health concerns that may affect your ability to fully participate in this immersive experience? If you answered “yes”, we’ll discuss this topic more in your interview.(Required)

Parent/Guardian #1 Information

Full Name(Required)

Email(Required)

Phone Number(Required)

Address(Required)

Please indicate the nature of the relationship (mother, father, step-parent, guardian, etc.)(Required)

Parent/Guardian #2 Information

Full Name

Phone Number

Address

Please indicate the nature of the relationship (mother, father, step-parent, guardian, etc.)

Essay Questions

What about the Deer Hill Gap Experience inspires you?(Required)

What about the Deer Hill Gap Experience will challenge you?(Required)

What do you need from your community, mentors, and environment in order to realize your immense potential?(Required)

Describe yourself from the perspective of someone who knows you well. Be compassionately blunt.(Required)

Applying to the Deer Hill Gap Experience

Gap Semester Application

Personal Information

Parent/Guardian #1 Information

Parent/Guardian #2 Information

Essay Questions

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