I got into some schools that I like, but also realized that there are many other schools I wish I had applied to instead. Is it possible to defer enrollment and also apply to other schools, or would I have to take a regular gap year?
You need to check each schools deferment policy before proceeding with a decision.
more than likely you would have to take a gap year , talk to your school and maybe they will hold your spot, I would go through the threads here onCC to see if your stats give you a good chance to get in. I would personally go where accepted, if you like it stay if not transfer next year.
Taking a gap year implies that you have already enrolled in the school, which means that you will be applying as a transfer student next year. Typically, being accepted as a transfer student is even more difficult.
As stated above, you would need to look at each individual school’s policy on deferring enrollment. Many, if not most, will not allow you to apply to other schools during that year. Some may allow you to take some credits, say at a community college, but typically it’s not more than 12 credits. And the school where you want to defer enrollment would require you to submit your deposit and officially request deferring for a year. If your main purpose to apply to other schools within the next yearto see where else you might get in, it’s probably best to take your gap year and re-assess where you want to apply to and go through the application process again.