<p>(btw, I apologize in advance if this has been posted before)</p>
<p>I'm strongly considering taking a gap year after I graduate HS this year, but I'm not totally sure... it'd depend on financial aid, special programs, etc. Should I check the box on the Common App that says "did/will take a gap year," or is it better just to apply and then petition later to defer? I'm afraid of hurting my chances by saying I'm going to take a year off, especially if I'm not 100% sure about it, so I'm not sure what would be the best thing to do.</p>
<p>I think that if you look up the common data set for the colleges you’re applying to, there’s a place toward the end where they indicate whether or not they allow admitted students to defer for a year. That might be helpful in making your decision. If you’re not sure you want to take a gap year, it might be best to just wait and see where you get in, what kind of financial aid you get and then decide - and not answer yes to the gap year question now.</p>
<p>^Yeah, I’d uncheck the box and defer later if you decide to. I’m not sure how the check affects admissions, but it’s just a more failproof way to go.</p>
<p>Thanks, guys. That’s what I’d been leaning toward, so I’ll just stick with that. :)</p>