Hey everyone! After suffering from various medical problems over the course of my senior year, I have decided to take a gap year and defer my admission to fall 2019. I got offers at some amazing schools and plan on putting a deposit down at either University of Richmond or Lafayette College. As of right now, I think I see myself at those two places but I am still figuring things out. I think I will have a lot of time to self reflect and really figure out what I want over the course of the next year. During my gap year I plan on working around 5 days a week, volunteering at a local women and children’s shelter, and possibly spending time abroad teaching English in Spain in the spring. If I decide that the school I have deposited at is not the right place for me after I have time to grow as an individual/possibly change my mind about career goals and major, is it a lot harder to be accepted into schools after a gap year? Or will my gap year benefit me if I spend it doing meaningful activities? I would love some advice from anyone who has gone through this/knows anything about the process. Anything will help! Thank you!
It’s not harder to be accepted after a gap year and if you have a productive gap year, it can be very beneficial. You are obviously a competitive student and should definitely deposit at one of your choices. Be aware though that you will have to start the application process from scratch, starting this fall. You will have to apply all over again, which will involve going back to your high school, getting transcripts and test scores sent, maybe even new teacher recs, etc…
You will need to establish some of your gap year activities between leaving high school and applying to new colleges. If you do get on a program to teach English, or other confirmed future activities, you can probably list those in additional information.
Both of your choices are good. Go to accepted student days if possible and make a rational decision. Be sure the college will let you defer and keep your aid, etc…
See what the rules are for the situation at those colleges:
- Can you keep your acceptance and request to take a gap year?
- Ifyou accept it are you committed and can’t back out?
Thank you for your input! I spoke to the admissions offices at both colleges and they said I can pay a deposit to defer my enrollment to fall of 2019. I just have to write out a comprehensive plan of what I will be doing over the gap year. I am full pay as of right now, so aid is not going to be a problem. @Lindagaf
Yes, both schools said I can defer my enrollment by paying a deposit and it will not be binding! @bopper