<p>My daughter has been accepted to her school of first choice, our flagship state university. However, she now wishes to take a year off for independent study and work. After hearing her reasons, we (the parents) support her decision. The information from her school indicates that they are not very favorably disposed to granting even a semester deferral, much less a year. I assume that she could reapply there, but of course a deferral would be preferable. She needs to write a letter giving her reasons. Has anyone dealt with this situation and do you have any suggestions? Thanks.</p>
<p>I have no experience with this but I do know many colleges are willing to do this. I suggest she write a letter explaining why this year off would help her focus on her studies and shape them more effectively towards a future career. But if the school refused to grant the deferral, I would give up the idea and not risk re-applying.</p>
<p>Tell them Harvard encourages kids to take time off. :)</p>
<p>Really, it seems very silly of them. Many studies have shown that kids who take a gap year are more successful. <a href="http://www.admissions.college.harvard.edu/prospective/applying/time_off/index.html%5B/url%5D">http://www.admissions.college.harvard.edu/prospective/applying/time_off/index.html</a></p>
<p>Seems a little odd at big state U, sounds like you may be mired in bureaucracy.
Try to talk to a "higher up" at the university. Can she withdraw without penalty? Can she take classes this summer, then take her year off? How difficult would it be for her to be readmitted? Is there significant scholarship money she risks losing? If so, taking a year off from big state U may not be possible.
Is she in any sort of honors program, where there may be someone at the university to advocate for those students - contact that office.
Most of the people here who have done formal gap years are going to private colleges, and most of those who take a year off from big state U, do it to work and make money for the next year - I bet that the problem is finding the proper classification for her.</p>
<p>Thanks for the replies so far, they are very helpful. Cangel, I don't understand "withdraw without penalty". She is a HS senior and hasn't accepted yet. If they don't grant a deferral, she will probably decline admission. There is one scholarship (so far) in question, but I've spoken with them (state scholarship) and they are very open to deferral. Now, we understand that deferring admission could cost other scholarship money that the school might have offered. Couldn't she just apply again to the school next year? Would a decline this year be a black mark? Thanks again.</p>
<p>We were definitely told by flagship state schools that no deferrals are allowed, only reapplying. If she got in once, she is likley to get in again, if she does something "worthwhile" (their judgment!) in the interim tome. If she is in a particular major, you might ask the student advisor about a deferral through the major dept.</p>