Guided trips 2020: Application dates & details
Winter has just arrived for most of the country and the holiday season is almost upon us, but already it’s time to start thinking about spring and summer 2020. If your plans involve a guided trip with us, this page will help you navigate the application process.
When to apply
During the open application period, applications received will be treated mostly equally (as described below). After the period closes, applications will be treated on a first-come-first-served (FSFC) basis for spots that are still open.
For 2020 trips the open application period will start on Sunday, December 15. The closing date depends on the location:
December 16 through Monday, December 29 for trips in Utah and West Virginia;December 16 through Monday, January 12 for trips in Alaska, California, and Rocky Mountains.
The staggered open application period is a departure from previous years, which have had just one period in January. This schedule will help distribute the processing workload, and it will give Utah and West Virginia clients more time to arrange travel and complete the Planning Curriculum.
How to apply
To apply for a 2020 trip:
Complete the Application Form, andSubmit your Application Fee of $25, which will be credited to the cost of your trip.
Prepare yourself for the Application Form, which asks for more than just biographical information. View a PDF of it.
Application review process
During the open application period, each applicant is categorized:
AlumniWaitlist from a previous yearNew applicant
Priority is generally given to alumni and previously waitlisted applicants, but it’s not universal — in recent years, I’ve had good results by mixing in new applicants with alumni.
Towards the end of the open periods, I begin to take inventory of the applicant pool and to form loose groups. By applying early in the open application period (not at the last-minute), I’ll be able to account for you during this preliminary phase.
You’ve applied. Now what?
I will start offering spots on trips during the weeks of:
December 30, for Utah and West Virginia;January 13, for Alaska, California, and Rocky Mountains.
While processing applications, I will keep you regularly informed of my progress and your status. Please be patient with me — it takes a long time to thoroughly read and evaluate each application, and I put a lot of thought into the makeup of each group.
Applicants for Alaska, California, and the Rocky Mountains will have to be especially patient, possibly waiting up to four weeks after they’ve applied to receive a decision. I considered having two separate open application periods to avoid this wait time, but overall the staggered closing dates is the best system.
Planning Curriculum
The planning curriculum will start on Monday, January 20 for the Utah and West Virginia trips.
It will probably start a few weeks later for the other locations, probably Monday, February 3. This may change depending on the efficiency with which we process applications in January.
Questions?
Leave a comment below, or contact me directly.
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