Requesting a Gap Year - Hurt you or Help You?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Princeton University
1

<p>I am seriously considering taking a gap year although I am applying this year. Should I make it clear in my application that I want to take a gap year if accepted or wait until I am accepted and then request it? Does it even matter?</p>

<p>For my gap year, I plan to work 2 jobs to save money for college for half the time and the other half I plan on living in Central America, volunteering and learning more about their culture. By the way, my intended major is Spanish and Latin American cultures.</p>

2

<p>It certainly won't hurt you at Harvard.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.admissions.college.harvard.edu/prospective/applying/time_off/time_out.html%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://www.admissions.college.harvard.edu/prospective/applying/time_off/time_out.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>Last year, a kid I interviewed was admitted, with Harvard knowing he wanted to defer a year. He did defer, and is starting this fall. I think most schools will allow it.</p>

3

<p>Thanks Byerly. Should I notify them "up front" of my intentions? Not Harvard, but other schools.</p>

4

<p>Always best to be upfront.</p>

5

<p>Best to tell up front I think. They may have a seperate list they submit wanting gap years. Also, they will know that they have an extra slot to fill. And I think that since you would sort of be applying for the year after, that might make it easier? Not sure...</p>