<p>Even before April, I had been considering taking a gap year to work, probably on a tech startup, and possibly travel, before enrolling in college (to get a better feel for the world and my future career before another four years in an ivory tower). Now, the motivation is stronger, since I got wiped out with rejections (My profile was strong enough that I neglected safeties/low matches I would actually fit at, and I didn't get into anywhere else, which pretty much shocked my community, although that doesn't justify my carelessness). The thing is - I've seriously boosted my "profile" since late March with various awards and accomplishments (USAMO included), and I now have a much better idea of non-sub-10%-acceptance-rate colleges that would be good fits for me. Thus, I'm considering taking a productive gap year and applying to a different set of colleges. The main question is - if I defer enrollment to a place I've been accepted to, how bound am I to go there? The college's official statement is that deferral is a commitment to come a year later. Also, does a gap year sound like a potentially good idea in my situation? My parents are worried that it will derail me, although I strongly disagree.
Thanks for the input.</p>
<p>PS) Am I right in assuming I shouldn't even bother reapplying to the places I've been rejected from?</p>
<p>one of my brothers friends at school (Dartmouth) did not get into any of his top choices (ivies, top LACs) so he took a gap yr, reapplied to some of those schools, and was accepted at Colby, where he was origionally denied admission. he then ended up transfering to dartmouth.</p>
<p>There’s certainly no harm in reapplying to some of the places that rejected you, aside from the cost and time, and assuming that you build a better list.</p>
<p>" The main question is - if I defer enrollment to a place I’ve been accepted to, how bound am I to go there? The college’s official statement is that deferral is a commitment to come a year later. "</p>
<p>Don’t commit to a college with that rule unless you plan to honor your commitment.</p>
<p>There are colleges, however, that will allow you to take a gap year without promising to attend that college afterward.</p>
<p>Think about it: How would you feel if you saw a college rep asking if it was all right to rescind an acceptance during an applicant’s gap year because stronger applicants had been found?</p>
<p>I may be a bit biased since I am taking a gap year myself, but I think that a productive/well planned gap year can definitely help with college admissions.</p>