Taking a gap year between high school and college has become increasingly common and accepted. Most colleges allow admitted students to defer enrollment for one year, though policies vary significantly by school.
These schools offer structured gap year programs with financial support.
Most colleges permit deferrals, including:
All Ivies allow gap year deferrals.
Policies vary more at public schools. Check specific policies.
Apply Normally: Complete college applications senior year.
Get Admitted: Receive acceptance to college.
Request Deferral: Submit deferral request (usually before May 1).
Get Approval: School approves your gap year plan.
Take Year Off: Complete your gap year activities.
Enroll Next Year: Begin college the following fall.
You remain admitted, just delay enrollment by one year.
Concrete Plan: Detailed description of gap year activities.
Growth Opportunities: How the year will promote development.
Not Just Travel: Work, service, internships, or structured programs usually preferred over pure tourism.
Timeline: Month-by-month plan showing what you'll do.
Connection to Goals: How the gap year relates to academic or career interests.
Approved Gap Year Activities:
Discouraged Activities:
Some schools have specific deferral restrictions:
Cannot Take College Courses: Most schools prohibit enrolling as degree-seeking student elsewhere during gap year. A few community college classes usually acceptable.
Military Service: Usually approved but verify specific policy.
Must Work: Some scholarships or programs require gap year includes meaningful work or service.
Most Aid Defers: Need-based financial aid typically carries over to deferred year.
Merit Scholarships: Usually defer, but verify with specific scholarship office.
Outside Scholarships: Contact providers about deferral policies.
FAFSA: File in the year before you actually attend, not the year you were originally supposed to attend.
Verify Everything: Get all financial aid deferral confirmations in writing.
University of California System: Generally does not allow gap year deferrals. You must reapply or decline admission.
Some State Universities: Policies vary by school and sometimes by program.
Some Scholarship Programs: Specific merit programs may not defer.
Always verify before assuming deferral is possible.
Maturity: Enter college with more life experience and clarity about goals.
Better Focus: Know what you want to study and why.
Perspective: Real-world experience provides context for academic learning.
Skills: Develop independence, time management, and cultural competence.
Prevents Burnout: Break from academic pressure after 13 years of school.
Losing Momentum: Some students struggle returning to academic mindset.
Social Integration: May feel out of sync with classmates who went straight through.
Financial Cost: Gap years often cost money, depending on activities.
Delayed Graduation: Graduate one year later than high school peers.
Submit Early: Request soon after receiving admission, before May 1.
Be Detailed: Provide thorough gap year plan in writing.
Show Commitment: Demonstrate this is thoughtful decision, not avoiding college.
Follow Up: Get written confirmation of approved deferral.
Stay In Touch: Some schools require check-ins during gap year.
Structured Gap Year Organizations:
International Programs:
Gap Year Deferral: Already admitted, just delaying start.
Taking Year Off Then Applying: Apply to colleges during gap year.
Deferral provides security of knowing where you'll attend.
Whether you plan a gap year or go straight to college, strong academic preparation, solid test scores, and compelling application materials give you options. At LifeWorks, we help students prepare for their educational journey on their timeline.
Get in touch to learn how we can support you.
Will taking a gap year hurt my college admission?
No. Most selective schools view gap years positively when used productively. Many encourage it. You defer after being admitted, so it doesn't affect admission chances.
Can I change my mind about my gap year after getting approval?
Contact the admissions office immediately. Most schools will work with you, but don't assume you can automatically cancel a deferral without consequences.
What if I take college classes during my gap year?
Most schools prohibit enrolling as degree-seeking student elsewhere. A few community college classes usually acceptable. Check your specific school's policy before registering.
Do I need to reapply after my gap year?
No. Once approved for deferral, you remain admitted. Just begin in the deferred year. You don't submit a new application.
Can I defer after accepting another school?
You can only defer at one school. If you accepted admission somewhere then want to defer, contact that school. You cannot defer at School A while enrolling at School B.
What happens to my roommate assignment if I defer?
You'll go through housing assignment when you actually enroll, not a year early. You'll get a new roommate assignment with other incoming freshmen.
