<p>Let's say that S1 went abroad for a year to learn a new language. Would that harm his chances for acceptance as a freshman at UC the following fall? At private schools? </p>
<p>Definitely not, it’s a huge plus (assuming he uses his time wisely, which it sounds like he would be)! Many colleges even encourage accepted students to defer a year to allow themselves the learning opportunity. </p>
<p>I see. So he would apply for fall 2015 entrance now but then at the time of acceptance request to defer starting for a year?</p>
<p>Either works. He could apply this fall for 2015 entrance, then request a deferral if accepted, or if he felt that his activities during his gap year would substantially add to his CV, he could wait until the fall of his gap year to apply. It really rests on what his application would look like without his gap year activities. If his application is sufficiently strong, it would make sense to apply then defer. If his application could use the additions, it might be wise to wait until during his gap year to apply. . </p>