We’re super excited because our DD has been elected the president of a national youth organization. However, it’ll require her to take a gap year. Her top choices all encourage gap years, so we’re not worried about it post-admission. She wants to let these tippy-top schools know about her election, because it could improve her record. But should she let them know now, if she also needs to tell them that she would need to take a gap year before admission decisions are made?
I’d send a letter like this to explain that she has been elected president of the organization. I’d hold off on asking about the gap year until she gets in.
"I thought it might be to my advantage to send you some additional materials, which, if appropriate, I’d appreciate your including in my application file. I’ve included with this email the following:
• Name and description of organization"
And include a screenshot of the election results with the email.
I think some schools allow you to defer going to the college for a year. Look up the policies for her colleges. Once you get in, you have that option.
Thanks, @SMMom1. Something like what you suggest makes sense.
Our concern is that the school knowing about a gap year plan during the admissions process would have a negative impact. They could say— why take her if she’s taking a gap year (even if they’d have no problem saying yes to a request post-admission).