Hi all,
So basically I’m applying to colleges through the common app. I missed the UC Schools deadline for this year (Nov 30th) because I didn’t have my act together and assumed they would take more time than they actually would. Anyways, I’m probably going to end up telling a college I’ve decided I want to go there, and then request a one-yer deferral to take a gap year. Towards the summer/fall time when the UC application opens up again, is it possible to reapply during my gap year and choose to go to UCLA or UCSB if I happen to get in? Those are my top schools, I know it was a mistake to not apply this year. But just in case I don’t get into one of them, I want to say yes to one of the colleges I get into this year before my gap year. Can I back out of a college late into my gap year?
Many colleges do not allow you to defer attendance. You can back out but you will lose your deposit. If you are not a CA resident there is no financial aid at the UC’s.
And to add to the above information. Many colleges that will allow you to defer will not allow you to apply to other schools during your Gap year so make sure you know all the restrictions before accepting any college.
how can restrictions be enforced? if school allows deferment , and if no contract was signed, is the worst that can happen that the student loses her deposit?
There could be a slight hiccup in your plans…
If the college you promise to enroll in following your gap year believes you are a student they may so indicate on the national student registry. UC schools are going to check that registry over the summer after you accept their offer; they don’t want transfer students ignoring their record and applying as frosh. Lo and behold your name will be listed and you’ll have to explain the whole deal. It may turn out the UC’s treat you as a transfer student, it may turn out they ban you from the UC system for intentional misrepresentation on your application.
But maybe it all works out. Best of luck to you.
Don’t be dishonest in the process. If you turn a school down honestly in the admissions process and plan to take a gap year, let them know that you are taking a gap year without deciding on a college. Often they will let you reapply with pretty much the same application next year, and you may very well get in again.