I never planned on anything other than just going straight to college after high school. But with everything that is happening with the coronavirus, I am worried that it will not all be over by august and that colleges will be forced to close for longer. This would be fine, but I am intending on being a music major and I know that if classes were online I would not get the most out of my freshman year because I would not be able to get private instruction or participate in ensembles.
I am considering taking a gap year for this reason. I could take private cello lessons on a regular basis which I have not been able to do in High school for other reasons so I would be more prepared for a college music program, I could take some classes at a local community college to get more credits out of the way for less money, and then I could start college normally in 2021.
The problem is, I don’t know if there will still be fears of coronavirus next fall and I have already accepted my admission to the university, paid my housing deposit, and committed to being a music major. Will colleges defer those things to next year even though I have already committed to attending in 2020? Are colleges making accommodations or plans for this fall?
Yes, you certainly can take a gap year.
Whether the college you have committed to will save your space is another issue. Contact them and ask.
@20elthier Kudos on your college acceptance and your thoughtfulness during uncertain times. A few things to keep in mind:
- Be sure to confirm with both the Music Department and the Admissions Office about their deferment policies. (e.g., Pace allows deferments, but not for their audition-based performing arts students)
- If your college/program allows deferment, ask them if they will allow you to keep any scholarships you’ve been awarded, and ask them if your (enrollment and housing) deposits will apply for the following year.
- Basically you want to get in writing all their deferment policies/rules, so that you’re not surprised.
Definitely still can take a gap year. But make sure you contact your college and see if they are flexible about it themselves.
Most colleges will not allow you to take classes anywhere during your gap year. If you do so, typically you are required to reapply as a transfer student.