How do colleges tend to view gap years? I will take a gap year regardless of what colleges think to further pursue my interests. But, I’ve been told by people that colleges view gap years in negative light, and that I will be disadvantaged in admissions when I apply to colleges during my gap year. Is this true? I always felt like it was more of what exactly you did during your gap year that mattered, and that if you do something that was meaningful to you, then there’s no reason for colleges to put you in a disadvantage, right?
Right. Gap year is increasingy common. It is a year for exploring and maturing. And if you gave something special to do.
@PartyNextDoor you should check the gap year policies for all schools you are interested in as they vary–from schools that encourage one to schools that make you jump through hoops to get permission to do one. And also check what happens to any financial aid awards or merit money.
@Sudsie Interesting. I am not going to apply to colleges this admissions cycle and defer a year, but rather apply during my gap year (Fall of 2016). So you’re saying that I may be ineligible for some financial aid/merit aid at some universities if I decided to apply next year, correct?
@PartyNextDoor I was assuming that you were going to apply now and then defer admission for a year (which both of my kids did/are doing).
There are advantages to applying now–easier to get transcripts and letters of recommendation while you are still at school and you are fresh in the minds of teachers and guidance counselors, plus you are in the swing of things. There are teachers who can review essays, etc. Given when you have to submit applications, it’s rare that you can achieve enough early in a gap year to change your likelihood of admission.
That said, there are fewer limitations if you apply during a gap year–can’t say there wouldn’t be any…
I think what Sudsie meant to say is that if you apply now, and defer a year, merit aid you may get then may not be available next year. It shouldn’t be a problem otherwise.
Taking a gap year is usually not a problem. It’s only a problem if you sit around and do nothing.
@Sudsie I will ask my teachers write the LoRs now because I will be applying to one or two universities this fall, and ask my GC to keep them saved so that I can reuse them for my full list of schools next year.
I am on a gap year now and I think they will be indifferent for the most part.
Lots of colleges and universities like to see a productive gap year on a student’s application. There is a good track record of students who take gap years gaining maturity and taking college seriously. But definitely look into the merit aid issue. Our son applied to colleges during his gap year so he would be eligible for more merit aid, rather than deferring and potentially losing it.
I am currently on a gap year to audition for MT college programs! I have explained everything- from my decision to take a year off to where I am now. Honestly, I have grown so much, and I could NOT have made a better choice for myself. BEST OF LUCK! Please check out what I said in my forum!
http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/musical-theater-major/1867481-gap-year-from-high-school-to-college-to-audition-for-mt-schools-my-experience.html?new=1