Frequently
Asked
Questions

How do I apply?

You can start your Baret Scholars journey by visiting our application portal.

When should I apply?

Please see the cohort and round specific deadlines on our admissions page.

Am I eligible to apply for Baret Scholars?

At this time, Baret Scholars is a program that serves college-aged students around the world. Students from any country between the ages of 17 and 22 are encouraged to apply for admissions.

What activities should I include in my application?

At Baret Scholars, we seek to build a diverse student cohort interested in understanding our planet, studying its people, and finding their purpose. As such, please add activities that reflect an accurate, holistic picture of your work outside of a traditional academic setting. We have equal appreciation for both those who pursue a wide range of activities and those who dive into a specific interest.

What is the interview like?

The interview is a conversation which allows us to get to know you better and your motivations for taking a Baret year. It is also your opportunity to ask any questions you may have the Baret year, so don't hesitate to bring your own topics for conversation.

Can I apply to college and to Baret Scholars?

Yes! The majority of our students apply to university and Baret Scholars concurrently. About 30% of our students are applying for college on the road. We even offer an Afternoon Option focused on college/career counseling for those who want the additional support.

If I get in, will I need to get my own visas?

Yes – but you will not walk that path alone! Although by law students themselves must apply for their visas, we provide each scholar with one-on-one support to obtain their required visas for the Baret year, knowing that every scholar is unique in their travel needs due to their geography, passport, prior visas, and more.

How much does Baret Scholars cost?

Baret’s estimated cost of attendance is a starting point for determining your actual cost. Visit “Tuition and Fees” for a comprehensive breakdown.

Will Baret meet my full demonstrated need?

Applicants who typically qualify for financial aid are eligible for the Comprehensive Scholarships program. Baret will meet 100% demonstrated need for a small number of admitted students. Applicants interested in Comprehensive Scholarships must complete the Comprehensive Scholarship portion of the Application. Please note that Comprehensive Scholarships are globally competitive, limited, and not guaranteed, and it only supports the cost of attendance (i.e., tuition and fees) for Baret Scholars, not additional costs such as visa application fees, travel insurance, discretionary spending, etc. As such, all Comprehensive Scholarship applicants are required to commit to seeking external, non-Baret funding for the year in order to be considered.

How can I afford Baret Scholars?

While Baret Scholars is not a scholarship program, we are proud to offer a limited number of scholarships and financial opportunities to help build a diverse cohort of students who will go on to travel the world and become tomorrow's global citizens. Awards towards our $94,500 Standard Tuition/Fees include:

Merit Scholarships — Selective awards of $20,000 - $40,000, granted to students with academic, leadership, or creative achievements.

Support Awards — Highly selective awards, typically $40,000 - $60,000, designed to help families who can contribute significantly but need some additional support.

Comprehensive Scholarships — Our most competitive awards, covering more than 2/3 of our Tuition/Fees (and up to full funding in exceptional cases). These are globally selective and require an additional, multi-stage application process.

All financial packages are made holistically, balancing merit, need, and cohort diversity.

Am I able to apply for both Merit-Based Scholarship and Comprehensive Tuition/Fees assistance?

No. You must pick either one. Please only apply for ComprehensiveTuition/Fees assistance if you believe you are eligible for it and if you need more than what any of the Merit Based Scholarships might give you. The Comprehensive Scholarships program is highly competitive, so only apply for it if you’re sure you qualify for assistance.

Does Baret Scholars offer payment plans?

Yes, if you are accepted, your formal contract will include a detailed payment schedule. To help you prepare, here is a general sample plan for most students:

Deposit (⅓ of tuition/fees) – due upon contract signing

Second installment (⅓ of tuition/fees) – typically due in April

Final installment (⅓ of tuition/fees) – typically due in June

If you require a bespoke or adjusted payment plan, please contact the Admissions Committee immediately so we can support your circumstances.

Can I change my application round after I’ve submitted?

Yes, please email the admissions team at admissions@baretscholars.org with your request.

Can I reapply if I was previously waitlisted?

Yes, you may reapply to the program for the following cohort if you were waitlisted in the current one.

What if my school does not calculate GPA or class rank?

You can use this conversion calculator to convert your grades into a GPA and then submit!

Do Competitive Scholarships cover emergency costs?

Comprehensive Scholarships are globally competitive, limited, and not guaranteed, and it only supports the cost of attendance (i.e., tuition and fees) for Baret Scholars, not additional costs such as emergency costs, visa application fees, travel insurance, discretionary spending, etc.

Can I combine external scholarships with Baret funding?

Yes, if you are able to secure external funding or scholarships, you can use that to contribute towards your cost of the program.

Do I need to know my capstone topic before applying?

While we love hearing about your ideas for the Capstone project in the application forms and interviews, they are not binding. You may change the topic of your project during the program if you come up with another idea!

What health & security resources are available during the Baret year?

Baret has a trained team that oversees student health and responds to concerns across all regions.

If I’m not selected for a comprehensive award, will I automatically be placed in the pool for Support Awards or Merit Scholarships?

No, you will have to email us at admissions@baretscholars.org to let us know your updated offer and we will re-evaluate your application.

Where can I find information about the speakers and the fellowships that are asked about in the application?

All information about the Morning Program Speakers and Fellowships listed in the application can be found in our book!

What meals are covered by Baret?

For the class of 2027, only breakfast is included in the total cost of the program.

If I don’t have a tax return and I’m not from the US, what documents can I submit?

The tax upload has two core goals:

1) Identity verification (e.g., is the family who they purport to be, for cohort safety/legal liability purposes), and

2) Financial verification to place the student in the proper admissions/awards pool

If the family does not have a tax form, upon request we consider other alternatives that accomplish 1 & 2. Most common is something like a notarized letter, bank statement, etc. that includes identifying information (e.g., guardian name + address + some sort of legal ID number like Social Security, etc.) plus financials.

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