The Gap-Year Option: Should You Take a Time Out? New York NY

The Gap-Year Option: Should You Take a Time Out?

By Howard and Matthew Greene

Now that you've been admitted to one or more colleges and made your decision about where to go, it's time to start planning for your fall semester. Or is it?

We are often asked about gap-year options and reasons for taking a year between high school and college. If you have been admitted to a college that you like, but you decide to take a year off prior to entering, then you are talking about a "deferral" year.

How does it work?
To defer, you will put down an enrollment deposit by May 1 (or thereafter if you are admitted off of a waiting list). Then, you will ask the college, in writing, to hold your place while you defer admission, usually for a full year but sometimes only for a semester.

If you did not apply to any colleges, were not admitted to any, or were admitted only to colleges in which you have no interest, then you are considering a different track: a real gap year during which you will apply (or reapply) to a full list of colleges while pursuing activities that interest you and which will improve your chances of getting in. In an increasing number of instances, colleges are offering students admission for January or February (or the following fall) rather than for the fall semester for which they originally applied.

A safer bet than you may think
Wondering why would you choose or accept an offer to take a semester or two off prior to college, and wha...

Author: Amy Ambler

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