Gap Year To College

Helping Gap Year Students Navigate College Admissions

On average, 90% of gap year alumni make their way back to university within a year, whether they take their gap year before or during college.

It is important to keep this statistic in mind when advising gap year students; in fact, we encourage gap year students to apply to university as a part of their gap year planning process. We suggest that gap year students:

Apply to college as you normally would, while you have direct access to high school resources like college advisors and sources for recommendation letters.
Inquire with college admissions counselors about their deferral and/or gap year policies, as these will vary between institutions.
Get accepted and ask for a deferral. More and more colleges and universities are adopting formal deferral policies as they see more students requesting them. **We recommend that students only defer a SINGLE acceptance, as it is unethical to disingenuously promise attendance at more than one institution.**

from the GYA Blog: Tips for writing an effective college deferral letter

Where There Be Dragons_Accredited Gap Year Program

How to Write a College Deferral Letter for Your Gap Year

Official Gap Year Colleges & Universities

Keep an eye out for colleges and universities that hold GYA’s Official Gap Year College/University Seal. These are vetted institutions of higher education that have a pro-gap year approach, a strong history of success with gap year graduates, and a commitment to experiential learning and programs for gap year alumni to maximize their time on campus.

Warren Wilson College

When students apply to Warren Wilson College having taken a gap year between high school and college, this counts favorably for an applicant. Some of the other benefits for gap year students at Warren Wilson College include: eligibility for special scholarships, a student organization for those who have taken a gap year, and student support services such as advising, counseling, or coaching to deferred students while they are away on a gap year.

Long Island University Global College

LIU Global is a four-year Bachelor of Arts in Global Studies combining full-time international immersion in 8 countries, with structured classroom time, field study, internships, and community service. The curriculum gives students freedom to explore their interests and passions, equipping them with the knowledge, empathy, and real-world skills needed to understand the challenges facing humanity as a whole, and empower graduates to become socially responsible global leaders in a richly diverse and increasingly complex world.

Universidad Carlos III de Madrid

UC3M is an innovative Spanish public university, known for high performance research and teaching leadership in internationalization with 72% of degrees taught in English or bilingual. It is certified with AACSB in Engineering, Finance & Accounting and Business Administration and with EUR-ACE in engineering degrees. With a 92.2% employability rate of its students, UC3M attracts the best students in Spain and holds the 22nd place on the QS Ranking 50 under 50.”

McDaniel College

This is a place where you climb higher. Grow bolder. Make connections. A whole community dedicated to helping you explore who you’re meant to be. Come here to challenge yourself, open doors to professional opportunities, and find a niche where what you love meets what you do. McDaniel is a great place to land after your gap year.

Higher Ed Members

The following higher education institutions have demonstrated an interest in advancing the gap year movement and support institutional policies that allow gap year students to easily integrate on campus.

Duke University

At Duke, students who accept their offer of admission as first-year undergraduate students can request to defer their enrollment in order to pursue a gap year experience of their choosing. Duke’s Gap Year Program allows incoming students an opportunity to join a cohort of gappers taking intentional time emphasizing civic engagement and personal discovery.

Indiana University South Bend

Indiana University South Bend’s Map the Gap Program serves recent high school graduates who are unsure of their next step. Map the Gap provides a guided program for 9-months that includes skills development, aptitudes matched to careers, and self-discovery to help participants create a 3-year plan that includes post-secondary education or training requirements.

University of Montana

The University of Montana’s Office for Experiential Learning and Career Success aims to prepare students for a meaningful career from day one. Participating in career-building and experiential learning activities such as student jobs, internships, volunteerism, and research will allow you to find your passion and gain the skills to pursue it.

College/University Deferral Policies

Please note that this data was initially part of a research endeavor starting in 2014 and is being refreshed on an ongoing basis. All responses are quoted directly from the admissions source, and institutions listed here are not necessarily affiliated with the Gap Year Association.

International

Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, Madrid, Spain. “UC3M offers it’s own GAP year, as an International Foundation Program. Through a one year program, students who have finished their High School will be able to better define their interest and find genuine vocation while enjoying an abroad experience. Carlos III International School promotes two scholarships for International Foundation Program students with a good academic record, but otherwise may be in difficult financial situations or in special circumstances that could compromise their access to university studies. After this Gap Year, students will have the possibility to continue studies in UC3M with some credits. They also can choose to apply in other universities and UC3M will provide the proper documents in order to facilitate credit recognition.”

Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, Madrid, Spain.
“When Universidad Francisco de Vitoria accepts a student to the institution, she or he may defer for one year. When a student chooses to defer acceptance, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria will expedite or waive the student’s reapplication process. When a student chooses to defer their enrollment, they must:
• call to notify us of their choice to defer
• submit a written plan for their gap with an explanation
• get approval from a staff member or administrator
When a student defers enrollment, they can keep and defer merit and/or competitive scholarship awards. When a student defers enrollment, they can keep and defer needs-based scholarship awards. While on an approved deferral, a student may earn zero credits before their return to Universidad Francisco de Vitoria. When an applicant defers their enrollment, the institution holds the student’s spot if they have paid a deposit. The deposit for Universidad Francisco de Vitoria gap year students is $1800. When students apply to Universidad Francisco de Vitoria having taken a gap year between high school and college, this counts favorably for an applicant.”

Alabama

University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa. Acceptance rate: 44% (2010). “As long as you do not receive any academic credit from another institution and meet the December 1 admission deadline for the year you are applying you will be considered. You must notify the Scholarships department in writing of your year off from school. As with any entering freshman, your GPA through your junior year in high school and your test scores from your senior year in high school will be considered. Don’t forget that the October ACT and November SAT during your senior year will be the last test scores considered for scholarships.”
University of North Alabama, Florence. Acceptance rate: 88% (2010). “Here at UNA, we do not encounter many students that decide to take a Gap Year after they graduate from high school. We do not have any formal procedures for those students that decide to take a Gap Year. If a student applies to UNA and is accepted and then decides to take a Gap Year, when he or she return to UNA, he or she will only need to reapply. They will not have to pay the application fee again or resend transcripts unless they attended another college or university. A student will need to fill out the FAFSA form every year to be eligible for Financial Aid. If a student does receive a scholarship from UNA after graduating from high school and then decides not to attend UNA his or her freshman year, he or she will lose their scholarship. They can appeal through Student Financial Services if they decide to take a Gap Year to see if the scholarships can be awarded when he or she returns.”

Arizona

Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff. “Unfortunately, NAU does not have a formal program to allow students to do a gap-year program. While students are able to possibly reinstate scholarships if they take time off to do a religious mission, have a medical emergency, or are in the military, they do not have that option if they take time off after high school for any other reason.”
Prescott College, Prescott. Acceptance rate: 83% (2010). **UPDATED 2019
“When Prescott College accepts a student to the institution, she or he may defer for one year. When a student chooses to defer acceptance, Prescott College will expedite or waive the student’s reapplication process. When a student chooses to defer their enrollment, they must:
• call to notify us of their choice to defer
When a student defers enrollment, they can keep and defer merit and/or competitive scholarship awards. When a student defers enrollment, they can keep and defer needs-based scholarship awards. While on an approved deferral, a student may earn up to 6 credits before their return to Prescott College. When an applicant defers their enrollment, the institution holds the student’s spot if they have paid a deposit. The deposit for Prescott College gap year students is $200. When students apply to Prescott College having taken a gap year between high school and college, this counts favorably for an applicant. Students wishing to defer matriculation may do so by sending a written request to the Director of Admission. Matriculation will be postponed for up to a full academic year, subject to successful completion of any academic work undertaken during that time.”

Arkansas

Harding University, Searcy. Acceptance rate: 72% (2010). “We have a pretty relaxed policy. Typically, a student can apply for a semester and simply tell us they want to change to the following year and we can make that switch. Because dorm deposits are involved at Harding, we will often encourage those students to cancel their applications with us and reactivate them when they are ready so they can receive refundable deposits. To reactivate an application, a student only needs to contact their admissions counselor and we will change it. We have a rolling admissions deadline, so there’s not a hard-and-fast priority date for enrollment. If a student takes a gap year, they just can’t accumulate 14 hours or more at another school if they want to keep their institutional scholarships. At Harding, the application for admission acts as the application for our main academic scholarship, so the student doesn’t need to apply if they are still enrolling as a “first time in college” student (FTIC). Federal aid would obviously require a new FAFSA for the new tax year. In short, a student taking a gap year would change their enrollment date and would keep their scholarships if they don’t accumulate 14 or more hours at another school.”

California

Harvey Mudd College, Claremont. Acceptance rate: 13% (2018).
**UPDATED, 2019
“When Harvey Mudd College accepts a student to the institution, she or he may defer for more than one year. When a student chooses to defer acceptance, Harvey Mudd College will expedite or waive the student’s reapplication process. Students may request deferred enrollment when submitting their Enrollment Response Form in the HMC Applicant Hub. During the deferment year, students may not enroll as a matriculated student at another college or apply to other colleges. When a student chooses to defer their enrollment, they must:
• complete a deferral form
• submit a written plan for their gap with an explanation
• get approval from a staff member or administrator
When a student defers enrollment, they can keep and defer merit and/or competitive scholarship awards. When a student defers enrollment, they can keep and defer needs-based scholarship awards. When an applicant defers their enrollment, the institution holds the student’s spot if they have paid a deposit. The deposit for Harvey Mudd College gap year students is $300. When students apply to Harvey Mudd College having taken a gap year between high school and college, this has no affect on an applicant’s admissions assessment.”
California Baptist University, Riverside. Acceptance rate: 74% (2010). “They just need to notify their admissions counselor that they will be taking a GAP year and the counselor will defer their acceptance. Then they can notify the counselor via phone or e-mail when they are ready to return. No reapplication necessary [for scholarships]. They will keep or retain academic scholarship as long as they were originally eligible or in good standing academically to retain it.”
California Maritime Academy, Vallejo. “There is no Gap Year or deferral policy. Admission offers are only valid for the requested semester of entry. If a student is admitted and does not attend for their original semester, they must re-apply using a new admission application adhering to corresponding admission requirements and deadlines. Yes, students must reapply for all financial aid.”
California State University – Chico, Chico. Acceptance rate: 62% (2010). “We don’t have a gap year policy as we don’t allow students to defer their admission except in cases of personal or family medical issues and/or military service.”
California State University – Fresno, Fresno. Acceptance rate: 56% (2010). “No deferrals are allowed. Students must re-apply if they choose not to attend the semester for which they were accepted.”
California State University – San Bernardino, San Bernardino. Acceptance rate: 19% (2010). “In line with the rest of the California State University system, CSU San Bernardino does not offer a deferral policy. If a student is considering not attending the university for a year, they must re-apply to the university during the filing period of the quarter planned for attendance.”
Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo, San Luis Obispo. Acceptance rate: 33% (2010). “Typically, we ask students who are considering doing a gap year to wait to apply to the university until they intend to enroll into the University. I would advise students to enter as a First Time Freshmen and not to take any college courses after they have completed high school. If they decide to take coursework during their gap year (60 credits or 90 quarter-credits), they would be considered a transfer student and need to complete certain course requirements based on their intended major.”
Chapman University, Orange, CA. Acceptance rate: 45% (2010). “We do not offer a formal deferral policy. If a student was granted admission and decides to take a gap year than they will be required to fill out a shortened re-application for admission. Most of the time these students will be granted admission once again but there are no guarantees here. We also have a lot of “talent-based” programs (Theatre, Dance, Music, Art, Film, etc.) where students will need to receive departmental approval once again. Talent programs are typically more competitive and the quality of the applicant pool can vary year to year. For this reason it is extremely important for students to work one-on-one with their appropriate Admission Counselor here if they are considering a gap year. Students always need to reapply for need based financial aid at Chapman, regardless of taking a gap year, coming in as a freshman or coming back as a returning student. We follow federal based methodology as far as financial aid goes and require students to fill out the FAFSA to be considered for need based financial aid. As far as scholarships go, we typically will honor our scholarships as long as the student does not matriculate to another University. Again, students really need to work one-on-one with their appropriate Admission Counselor when it comes to admission and scholarship following their gap year.”
Seaver-Pepperdine College, Malibu. Acceptance rate: 32% (2010). “We do not recognize gap years, nor do we allow students to defer their admission offers.”
Soka University, Alisa Viejo. Acceptance rate: 34% (2010). “Students may defer for one year following admission and must officially notify the Office of Admission in writing regarding a decision to defer. Deferrals are granted for one year once our Admission Office is in receipt of official notification. Students interested in Gap Year are also intrigued by Soka’s curriculum as it provides more than ample opportunity to travel regionally, nationally and internationally. Two outstanding learning experiences here at Soka are:(1) Study Aboard: All students are required to study abroad in their junior year. (2) Learning Cluster: Examines a specific contemporary issue either locally or aboard. For example, In January 2102, students packed their bags and flew to Cambodia, South Korea and Dharamshala to conduct research aboard while others preferred the domestic experience, focusing their attention on a particular issue herein the states. This program lasts close to a month and allows students to grow, learn and transform themselves. Generally speaking, a Soka student does so much traveling in their four years a Gap Year is often not necessary.”

Colorado

Naropa University, Boulder. Acceptance rate: 80% (2016) **UPDATED, 2018
“Naropa University is thrilled to join GYA as one of its first Official Gap Year Colleges.
There are two primary ways Naropa University welcomes gap year students:
1. Gap Year and Transfer Friendly University – Easily transfer your credits from other gap year and experiential education programs to Naropa! Naropa values diverse learning experiences and makes it easy for students to transfer credits towards a personally and professionally meaningful college career.
2. LeapYear – Join us for LeapYear, the most unique year of college on the planet! LeapYear is two full-credit semesters of international group travel, independent internship, and integrative retreats – a rite of passage into adulthood to prepare students for a rewarding experience throughout their higher education journey and for an impactful and meaningful life.
Naropa University education is built on a foundation of academic study, mindfulness and compassion training, and experiential learning, continuing the learning students begin on their gap year. Naropa’s curriculum is specifically designed engage students courageously with a complex and challenging world. Contemplative education not only asks students to challenge themselves in the classroom, but also asks them to challenge themselves as human beings. The commitment to becoming self-aware and the willingness to ask difficult questions opens students to their inherent wisdom and cultivates their passions, calling, and purpose.
Contemplative education at Naropa was born of a desire to transform education – just as GYA seeks to do. For gap year students who have already begun their journeys of deeply engaged and meaningful learning, we extend the invitation to “Transform yourself, transform the world” at Naropa University.”
Colorado College, Colorado Springs. Acceptance rate: 16% (2017)
**UPDATED, 2019
“When Colorado College accepts a student to the institution, she or he may defer for one year. When a student chooses to defer acceptance, Colorado College will expedite or waive the student’s reapplication process. When a student chooses to defer their enrollment, they must:
• complete a deferral form
• submit a written plan for their gap with an explanation
• get approval from a staff member or administrator
When a student defers enrollment, they can keep and defer merit and/or competitive scholarship awards. When a student defers enrollment, they can keep and defer needs-based scholarship awards. While on an approved deferral, a student may earn up to 6 credits before their return to Colorado College. When an applicant defers their enrollment, the institution holds the student’s spot if they have paid a deposit. The deposit for Colorado College gap year students is $250. When students apply to Colorado College having taken a gap year between high school and college, this counts favorably for an applicant. You can learn more about the policies at Colorado College by visiting https://www.coloradocollege.edu/admission/choosingCC/admitted/gap/”
University of Denver. Acceptance rate: 68% (2010). “Our staff approves all gap-year requests in advance, and one restriction is that students are not allowed to enroll in a degree program at another institution. We mostly recommend that students refrain from taking any college courses, but on a case-by-case basis, we do approve an occasional course or two. Merit awards remain intact when a student defers to a future academic year. Students are required to apply for need-based funds each year, but if their family circumstances remain stable, they should expect an award similar to their original package. We typically have about 30 students defer enrollment for a future term, and approximately 15 to 20 enroll a year later. The students who enroll at DU following a gap experience generally perform very well on our campus, bringing a year of maturity and personal growth to our campus.”

Connecticut

University of Hartford, West Hartford. Acceptance rate: 72% (2017).
**UPDATED, 2019
“When University of Hartford accepts a student to the institution, she or he may defer for one year. When a student chooses to defer acceptance, University of Hartford will expedite or waive the student’s reapplication process. An admitted student who wishes to defer for the purpose of a gap year or for any other reason, can do so for either a semester or a year. If they tuition deposit before deferring, all non-need based awards are held. Students interested in deferring should simply email us at admission@hartford.edu to let us know in writing how long they would like to defer for and we update our database. We then contact the student as it gets closer to their new entry term to find out if they have earned any college credit in the meantime. We typically remind students to send us their final high school transcripts and, if necessary, college transcripts to finalize their deferral process. Additionally, a student is welcome to simply apply after completing their gap year. Having taken this gap year will have no effect on their admission decision. When a student chooses to defer their enrollment, they must:
• call to notify us of their choice to defer
• submit a written plan for their gap with an explanation
When a student defers enrollment, they can keep and defer merit and/or competitive scholarship awards. When a student defers enrollment, they can keep and defer needs-based scholarship awards True. While on an approved deferral, a student may earn more than 12 credits before their return to University of Hartford. When an applicant defers their enrollment, the institution holds the student’s spot if they have paid a deposit. The deposit for University of Hartford gap year students is $500. When students apply to University of Hartford having taken a gap year between high school and college, this has no affect on an applicant’s admissions assessment.”
Fairfield University, Fairfield. Acceptance rate: 72% (2010). “If students would like to defer their admission for one year, they must send a letter of deferral to Karen Pellegrino, Dean of Admission, or Gail McGrath, Administrative Assistant. In the letter students must explain why they wish to defer their acceptance. They are still expected to submit a $600 deposit by May 1st to secure their place for the Spring or Fall of the following year. Also, during the “gap” year, they are unable to take more than 9 credits.”
Wesleyan University, Middletown. Acceptance rate: 21% (2010). “Deferred enrollment requests must be submitted in writing (letter or email) and approved by June 1st. Upon approval, Wesleyan will grant deferred admission for one year. Typically, 20 to 25 students are granted deferred matriculation in each class. In order to obtain approval, applicants must submit a plan for their gap year. Students granted a deferral cannot make any further admission applications to other institutions or enroll full time in any other institution of higher education. Interested students must also submit their admission deposit by May 1st. Once the student’s request for deferment is received and, if approved, a formal letter acknowledging their deferred status will be sent. An essay, briefly describing deferral activities and reaffirming intention to enroll at Wesleyan is required by March 1st of the deferral year.”
Yale University, New Haven. Acceptance rate: 6.8% (2012). “A student’s take on Yale’s admission opportunities: ‘When prospective Yalies choose to matriculate, each is presented with the opportunity to take a Gap Year. Basically, all Yale students have the option of taking a full year off to take advantage of whatever their heart desires. There are plenty of programs and opportunities both in the United States and abroad.” http://admissions.yale.edu/bulldogs-blogs/joshua/2011/01/19/what-s-gap-year
Quinnipiac University, Hamden. Acceptance rate: 63% (2010). “To take a gap year, the student will just need to send us an email letting us know they want to defer and to keep their application on file. When the next fall comes, they will receive an email with a reactivation form. The application will need to then be re-evaluated for admission. If they take classes during their gap year, they will be considered a transfer student. Students will need to reapply every year for Financial Aid and scholarships are re-evaluated with their application.”

Florida

New College of Florida, Sarasota. Acceptance rate: 71% (2017). **UPDATED 2019

“When New College of Florida accepts a student to the institution, she or he may defer for one year. When a student chooses to defer acceptance, New College of Florida will expedite or waive the student’s reapplication process. When a student chooses to defer their enrollment, they must:
• call to notify us of their choice to defer
• complete a deferral form
• submit a written plan for their gap with an explanation
• get approval from a staff member or administrator

When a student defers enrollment, they can keep and defer merit and/or competitive scholarship awards. When a student defers enrollment, they can keep and defer needs-based scholarship awards. While on an approved deferral, a student may earn zero credits before their return to New College of Florida. When an applicant defers their enrollment, the institution holds the student’s spot if they have paid a deposit. The deposit for New College of Florida gap year students is $200. When students apply to New College of Florida having taken a gap year between high school and college, this has no affect on an applicant’s admissions assessment.”

Georgia

Berry College, Mount Berry. Acceptance rate: 62% (2017).
**UPDATED, 2019
“When Berry College accepts a student to the institution, she or he may defer for one year. When a student chooses to defer acceptance, Berry College will expedite or waive the student’s reapplication process. When a student chooses to defer their enrollment, they must:
• call to notify us of their choice to defer
• submit a written plan for their gap with an explanation
When a student defers enrollment, they can keep and defer merit and/or competitive scholarship awards. When a student defers enrollment, they can keep and defer needs-based scholarship awards. While on an approved deferral, a student may earn zero credits before their return to Berry College. When an applicant defers their enrollment, the institution holds the student’s spot if they have paid a deposit. The deposit for Berry College gap year students is $250. When students apply to Berry College having taken a gap year between high school and college, this has no affect on an applicant’s admissions assessment.”
Emory College, Atlanta. Acceptance rate: 25% (2018).
**UPDATED, 2019
“When Emory University accepts a student to the institution, she or he may defer for one year. When a student chooses to defer acceptance, Emory University will expedite or waive the student’s reapplication process. Some students opt for a gap year between high school and college. Students use this time to volunteer, travel, or work. We advise students considering the gap year option to apply to Emory during their senior year of high school. If accepted, the student would need to submit his/her enrollment deposit by the deadline. Students have until 6/1 to request a deferral of his/her admission. In order to defer admission, the accepted student would need approval from our Dean of Admission. Students may not enroll full-time at another college or university during their deferral period. We will accept only two courses taken for college credit during the gap year. We require a detailed explanation of the student’s proposed plan for the gap year as well as acknowledgement of gap year guidelines regarding college coursework. The explanation should come in the form of a letter addressed to the Dean of Admission. Admission deferrals for gap years are granted for one year only. Students whose gap years are approved would enter Emory as freshmen the subsequent fall semester.
When a student chooses to defer their enrollment, they must:
• call to notify us of their choice to defer
• submit a written plan for their gap with an explanation
• get approval from a staff member or administrator
When a student defers enrollment, they can keep and defer merit and/or competitive scholarship awards. When a student defers enrollment, they can keep and defer needs-based scholarship awards. While on an approved deferral, a student may earn up to 6 credits before their return to Emory University. When an applicant defers their enrollment, the institution holds the student’s spot if they have paid a deposit. The deposit for Emory University gap year students is $550. When students apply to Emory University having taken a gap year between high school and college, this has no affect on an applicant’s admissions assessment.”
Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta. Acceptance rate: 26% (2017).
**UPDATED, 2019
“When Georgia Institute of Technology accepts a student to the institution, she or he may defer for one year. When a student chooses to defer acceptance, Georgia Institute of Technology will expedite or waive the student’s reapplication process. When a student chooses to defer their enrollment, they must:
• complete a deferral form
• submit a written plan for their gap with an explanation
• get approval from a staff member or administrator
While on an approved deferral, a student may earn zero credits before their return to Georgia Institute of Technology. When an applicant defers their enrollment, the institution holds the student’s spot if they have paid a deposit. The deposit for Georgia Institute of Technology gap year students is $250. When students apply to Georgia Institute of Technology having taken a gap year between high school and college, this has no affect on an applicant’s admissions assessment.”
Agnes Scott College, Decatur. Acceptance rate: 65% (2017). **UPDATED 2019**
“When Agnes Scott College accepts a student to the institution, she or he may defer for one year. When a student chooses to defer acceptance, Agnes Scott College will expedite or waive the student’s reapplication process. When a student chooses to defer their enrollment, they must:
• call to notify us of their choice to defer
• complete a deferral form
• submit a written plan for their gap with an explanation
• get approval from a staff member or administrator
When a student defers enrollment, they can keep and defer merit and/or competitive scholarship awards. When a student defers enrollment, they can keep and defer needs-based scholarship awards. While on an approved deferral, a student may earn zero credits before their return to Agnes Scott College. When an applicant defers their enrollment, the institution holds the student’s spot if they have paid a deposit. The deposit for Agnes Scott College gap year students is $500. When students apply to Agnes Scott College having taken a gap year between high school and college, this has no affect on an applicant’s admissions assessment. When a student defers at Agnes Scott College, they affirm: I understand I am required to submit my enrollment deposit by May 1. This deposit will be credited to my account when I enroll the following year. If I decide not to enroll, this money is non-refundable; I understand that if I am granted an admission deferral, it is for one year only; I understand that while my merit-based scholarship for Agnes Scott will remain in place, I will need to fill out a FAFSA based on the 2018 tax year in order to receive need-based aid for the 2020-2021 school year; It is my responsibility to keep in contact with my admission counselor regarding any change in plans and to keep current on deadlines and events. I will also update my admission counselor with any changes in my contact information.”
Georgia Tech University, Atlanta. Acceptance rate: 52% (2010). “Freshman applicants who have been offered admission to Georgia Tech may request to defer their enrollment for up to one year. Students who are approved to defer their enrollment and who satisfy the requirements listed below do not have to file a new application and are guaranteed a spot in the following year’s freshman class. Deferred students pay a tuition deposit for the original term of entry, which will be credited to the new term of entry. Requirements for the Deferred Enrollment Program are: (1) Only students who have paid their admission deposit by May 1st of their original entry year are eligible to request an enrollment deferral. (2) Students who wish to defer their enrollment must sign and return the Georgia Tech Deferred Enrollment Application and Agreement Form by August 1st. (3) Students may defer their enrollment to the following summer or fall term only. (4) Students may not defer their enrollment to attend other colleges and universities during their time away from Georgia Tech. Students who are found to have attended another colleges and universities during their deferral year will have their freshman admission revoked and must reapply as a transfer student. (5) Students who are granted approval to defer their enrollment should understand that their approval is contingent upon successful completion of all high school courses. Students reapply for need-based financial aid every year. Scholarships are handled on a case-by-case basis by the awarding department.”

Hawaii

Hawai’i Pacific University, Honolulu. Acceptance rate: 71% (2010). “We currently do not have a formal procedure for accepted students to indicate taking a gap year prior to starting at HPU. A student’s acceptance to HPU is only valid for the term they anticipate enrolling, any changes to their start term would require re-review for admissions and academic merit scholarships as requirements can change from year to year. We do hold applications for up to two years, so a student would not need to submit a new application, they would just need to contact the admissions office to reactivate their application. Yes, students would need to complete a new FAFSA and be reconsidered for scholarships.”

Idaho

Boise State University, Boise. Acceptance rate: 82% (2017). **UPDATED 2019 “When Boise State University accepts a student to the institution, she or he may defer for one year. When a student chooses to defer acceptance, Boise State University will expedite or waive the student’s reapplication process. When a student chooses to defer their enrollment, they must:
• call to notify us of their choice to defer
• complete a deferral form
• submit a written plan for their gap with an explanation
When a student defers enrollment, they can keep and defer merit and/or competitive scholarship awards. When a student defers enrollment, they can keep and defer needs-based scholarship awards. While on an approved deferral, a student may earn zero credits before their return to Boise State University. When an applicant defers their enrollment, the institution holds the student’s spot if they have paid a deposit. The deposit for Boise State University gap year students is $100. When students apply to Boise State University having taken a gap year between high school and college, this has no affect on an applicant’s admissions assessment. You can learn more about the policies at Boise State University by visiting https://admissions.boisestate.edu/nextsteps/decline-admission/.”

Indiana

Indiana University, Bloomington. Acceptance rate: 72% (2010). “If an incoming student is admitted and then decides they would like to take a year off, they can defer their admittance for 1 year. They would need to notify us before the classes of their admitted term starts by going to our deferral website. On this website it outlines the process. For example, students can take up to 11 hours of credit within the gap year, but if they take 12 they would have to reapply as a transfer student. You can contact our scholarship department for information about deferring the scholarships that a student may have been awarded. They can be reached at achieve@indiana.edu, you can ask for Kathy Fisher. The Financial Aid Office can also be reached at blfinaid@indiana.edu and you can speak with Melissa Myers.”
Taylor University, Upland. Acceptance rate: 84% (2010). “Students can choose to “stop out”. They can fill out a simple readmit form (on our website) when they are ready to re-enroll. If there are no red flags, they are readmitted without any problem. Merit based aid—carries over. But, FAFSA has to be filed again and some special scholarships might have been given away to other students so there is no guarantee. Also, we have an off-campus program for 1st semester freshmen.”

Iowa

Cornell College, Mt. Vernon. Acceptance rate: 71% (2018).
**UPDATED, 2019
“When Cornell College accepts a student to the institution, she or he may defer for more than one year. When a student chooses to defer acceptance, Cornell College will expedite or waive the student’s reapplication process. Admitted students may request to defer their enrollment to Cornell College by submitting a written rationale of what they plan to do during their gap year. This written request should be sent to the Admission Office for the Director of Admission to review. Approved students must agree to: Submit the $300 enrollment deposit to reserve their place in the class and any merit or fine arts scholarships or awards. Not pursue admission nor seek deferred enrollment at another institution. Not enroll as a degree-seeking student in college classes. (Students are allowed to take up to two credit courses per semester as a non-degree seeking student, thought students should contact Cornell’s Office of Admission for approval.) Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) annually as Cornell does not reserve need-based financial assistance. When a student chooses to defer their enrollment, they must:
• call to notify us of their choice to defer
• complete a deferral form
• get approval from a staff member or administrator
When a student defers enrollment, they can keep and defer merit and/or competitive scholarship awards. While on an approved deferral, a student may earn 6-12 credits before their return to Cornell College. When an applicant defers their enrollment, the institution holds the student’s spot if they have paid a deposit. The deposit for Cornell College gap year students is $300. When students apply to Cornell College having taken a gap year between high school and college, this has no affect on an applicant’s admissions assessment. You can learn more about the policies at Cornell College by visiting.”
Drake University, Des Moines. Acceptance rate: 69% (2017).
**UPDATED, 2019
“When Drake University accepts a student to the institution, she or he may defer for one year. When a student chooses to defer acceptance, Drake University will expedite or waive the student’s reapplication process. When a student chooses to defer their enrollment, they must:
• call to notify us of their choice to defer
When a student defers enrollment, they can keep and defer merit and/or competitive scholarship awards. When a student defers enrollment, they can keep and defer needs-based scholarship awards. While on an approved deferral, a student may earn zero credits before their return to Drake University. When an applicant defers their enrollment, the institution holds the student’s spot. When students apply to Drake University having taken a gap year between high school and college, this has no affect on an applicant’s admissions assessment.
When a student defers enrollment, they can keep and defer merit and/or competitive scholarship awards. While on an approved deferral, a student may earn zero credits before their return to Drake University. When an applicant defers their enrollment, the institution holds the student’s spot if they have paid a deposit. When students apply to Drake University having taken a gap year between high school and college, this has no affect on an applicant’s admissions assessment.”

Illinois

Columbia College, Chicago. Deferral for 1 academic year) Eastern Illinois University, Charleston, IL (No deferral program for the 4 schools in the EIU system. You can put your application on hold for a semester by emailing admissions and saying you’d like to update the semester for which you’ve applied. However, if you’ve already been accepted, the decision does not necessarily carry over to the next semester.
Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago. Acceptance rate: 64% (2010). “Students have up to two semesters to defer an offer of admission. There are some specific requirements the student has to follow for the deferral. Here is the link to our forms page which includes deferment forms for the fall and spring semester: http://www.iit.edu/undergrad-admission/apply/forms.shtml. Students are asked not to attend other universities for academic program (language or cultural enrichment classes are not included), they are asked to submit an enrollment deposit, and an explanation of what they plan to do in their gap year. Scholarships offered to the student are not lost, however financial aid may be re-evaluated.”
Illinois State University, Normal. You must first be accepted by the university, then the individual school. No deferral program for the 6 schools in the ISU system. You can place your application on hold for a semester but if you’ve been accepted, the decision will not necessarily carry over you are more likely to be accepted again if you’ve already been accepted the previous semester.
Illinois Wesleyan University, Bloomington. Prior to gap year, each school requires your decision to attend, a $250 deposit, and a written description of your plan for your gap experience which is sent to the Dean of Admissions for approval.) The process is fairly formal. The school may contact you around December of the gap year to confirm that you are still interested in attending the school upon your return.
- College of Liberal Arts (Yes, deferral for academic year)
- College of Fine Arts (Yes, deferral for academic year)
- School of Nursing (Yes, deferral for academic year)
Knox College, Galesburg. Acceptance rate: 72% (2010). “The student must submit a request for approval from our Dean of Admission and also attach a $300 enrollment deposit and if their request is approved they would join our institution the following year. We will basically permit students to do community service work, travel or any other activity as long as they are not earning credits at another school.”

Kentucky

Berea College, Berea. Acceptance rate: 12% (2010). “Thank you for contacting us. At this time, Berea College does not allow students to defer their offer of admission. If students are accepted to Berea and do not enroll for which the term they applied, they must submit an entire application again the term in which they can successfully enroll.”

Louisiana

Loyola University New Orleans, New Orleans. Acceptance rate: 68% (2017). **UPDATED 2019
“When Loyola University New Orleans accepts a student to the institution, she or he may defer for one year. When a student chooses to defer acceptance, Loyola University New Orleans will expedite or waive the student’s reapplication process. When a student chooses to defer their enrollment, they must:
• call to notify us of their choice to defer
• complete a deferral form
• get approval from a staff member or administrator
When a student defers enrollment, they can keep and defer merit and/or competitive scholarship awards. When a student defers enrollment, they can keep and defer needs-based scholarship awards. While on an approved deferral, a student may earn zero credits before their return to Loyola University New Orleans. When an applicant defers their enrollment, the institution holds the student’s spot if they have paid a deposit. The deposit for Loyola University New Orleans gap year students is same as Freshman Deposit. When students apply to Loyola University New Orleans having taken a gap year between high school and college, this has no affect on an applicant’s admissions assessment.”

Maryland

Allegany College, Cumberland. Open door admissions for anyone over 16 years. No specific Gap Year but students are not penalized for taking a gap year, then applying the following year.
Capitol College, Laurel. 1 year deferral unless they attended another college.
Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore. Acceptance rate: 13% (2017).
**UPDATED 2019
“When Johns Hopkins University accepts a student to the institution, she or he may defer for one year. When a student chooses to defer acceptance, Johns Hopkins University will expedite or waive the student’s reapplication process. When a student chooses to defer their enrollment, they must:
• call to notify us of their choice to defer
• complete a deferral form
• submit a written plan for their gap with an explanation
• get approval from a staff member or administrator
While on an approved deferral, a student may earn zero credits before their return to Johns Hopkins University. When an applicant defers their enrollment, the institution holds the student’s spot if they have paid a deposit. The deposit for Johns Hopkins University gap year students is $600. When students apply to Johns Hopkins University having taken a gap year between high school and college, this has no affect on an applicant’s admissions assessment. In some cases, students are permitted to defer their enrollment for up to two years to pursue a travel, work, or family experience that does not include study at another academic institution for credit. Deferrals are considered on an individual basis and must be requested in writing from the Dean of Undergraduate Admissions. To request a deferral, you must submit your Reply Form, enrollment deposit, and a letter detailing your plans by the enrollment deposit deadline. Students accepted as transfer students to Johns Hopkins are not typically granted admissions deferrals.”
McDaniel College, Westminster. Acceptance rate: 78% (2017). **UPDATED 2019
“When McDaniel College accepts a student to the institution, she or he may defer for one year. When a student chooses to defer acceptance, McDaniel College will expedite or waive the student’s reapplication process. When a student chooses to defer their enrollment, they must:
• call to notify us of their choice to defer
When a student defers enrollment, they can keep and defer merit and/or competitive scholarship awards. When a student defers enrollment, they can keep and defer needs-based scholarship awards. While on an approved deferral, a student may earn zero credits before their return to McDaniel College. When an applicant defers their enrollment, the institution holds the student’s spot if they have paid a deposit. The deposit for McDaniel College gap year students is $500. When students apply to McDaniel College having taken a gap year between high school and college, this has no affect on an applicant’s admissions assessment. You can learn more about the policies at McDaniel College by calling admissions.”
St John’s College, Annapolis. Acceptance rate: 73% (2017). **UPDATED 2019. “When St. John’s College accepts a student to the institution, she or he may defer for more than one year. When a student chooses to defer acceptance, St. John’s College will expedite or waive the student’s reapplication process. You can read more about St. John’s College policies on taking a gap year at https://www.sjc.edu/admissions-and-aid/undergraduate-admissions/january-freshman. When a student chooses to defer their enrollment, they must:
• call to notify us of their choice to defer
• submit a written plan for their gap with an explanation
• get approval from a staff member or administrator
When a student defers enrollment, they can keep and defer merit and/or competitive scholarship awards. When a student defers enrollment, they can keep and defer needs-based scholarship awards. While on an approved deferral, a student may earn zero credits before their return to St. John’s College. When an applicant defers their enrollment, the institution holds the student’s spot if they have paid a deposit. The deposit for St. John’s College gap year students is $300. When students apply to St. John’s College having taken a gap year between high school and college, this has no affect on an applicant’s admissions assessment.”
Towson University, Towson. Acceptance rate: 74% (2017). **UPDATED 2019
“When Towson University accepts a student to the institution, she or he may defer for one year. When a student chooses to defer acceptance, Towson University will expedite or waive the student’s reapplication process. When a student chooses to defer their enrollment, they must:
• complete a deferral form
• get approval from a staff member or administrator
While on an approved deferral, a student may earn zero credits before their return to Towson University. When an applicant defers their enrollment, the institution holds the student’s spot if they have paid a deposit. The deposit for Towson University gap year students is $300. When students apply to Towson University having taken a gap year between high school and college, this has no affect on an applicant’s admissions assessment. Admitted students must submit their enrollment contract and nonrefundable $300 enrollment fee by the deadline before requesting a deferral. The deferral request is then reviewed for approval or denial. If approved, the student is guaranteed a space in the next entering class. Students must reapply for financial aid during the year following the deferral.”
University of Maryland, College Park. Acceptance rate: 48% (2017). **UPDATED 2019
“When University of Maryland College Park accepts a student to the institution, she or he may defer for one year. When a student chooses to defer their enrollment, they must:
• call to notify us of their choice to defer
• complete a deferral form
When a student defers enrollment, they can keep and defer merit and/or competitive scholarship awards. When a student defers enrollment, they can keep and defer needs-based scholarship awards. While on an approved deferral, a student may earn zero credits before their return to University of Maryland College Park. When an applicant defers their enrollment, the institution holds the student’s spot if they have paid a deposit. The deposit for University of Maryland College Park gap year students is $400. When students apply to University of Maryland College Park having taken a gap year between high school and college, this has no affect on an applicant’s admissions assessment. You can learn more about the policies at University of Maryland College Park by visiting umd.edu UMD Deferral- Request admission.”
Washington College, Chestertown. Acceptance rate: 57% (2010). “All we need is a letter or email requesting deferral; we should be notified before May 1. We defer all merit-based awards. All recipients of need-based aid are required to apply on an annual basis.”

Massachusetts

Harvard University, Cambridge. Acceptance rate: 5% (2018).
**UPDATED, 2019
“When Harvard College accepts a student to the institution, she or he may defer for more than one year. When a student chooses to defer acceptance, Harvard College will expedite or waive the student’s reapplication process. When a student chooses to defer their enrollment, they must:
• submit a written plan for their gap with an explanation
• get approval from a staff member or administrator
When a student defers enrollment, they can keep and defer merit and/or competitive scholarship awards. When a student defers enrollment, they can keep and defer needs-based scholarship awards. While on an approved deferral, a student may earn zero credits before their return to Harvard College. When an applicant defers their enrollment, the institution holds the student’s spot. When students apply to Harvard College having taken a gap year between high school and college, this has no affect on an applicant’s admissions assessment. We want to do everything possible to help the students we enroll make the most of their opportunities, avoiding the much reported “burnout” phenomenon that can keep them from reaching their full potential. Our overall graduation rate of 98%, among the highest in the nation, is perhaps due in part to the fact that so many students take time off, before or during college. The Admissions Committee encourages admitted students to defer enrollment for one year to travel, pursue a special project or activity, work, or spend time in another meaningful way—provided they do not enroll in a degree-granting program at another college. Deferrals for two-year military service are also granted. Each year, between 80 and 110 students defer their matriculation to the College, and they report their experiences to be uniformly positive. After graduation, large numbers of Harvard students take time off before beginning work or graduate school.”
College of the Holy Cross, Worcester. Acceptance rate: 38% (2017).
**UPDATED, 2019
“When College of the Holy Cross accepts a student to the institution, she or he may defer for one year. When a student chooses to defer acceptance, College of the Holy Cross will expedite or waive the student’s reapplication process. When a student chooses to defer their enrollment, they must:
• submit a written plan for their gap with an explanation
• get approval from a staff member or administrator
When an applicant defers their enrollment, the institution holds the student’s spot if they have paid a deposit. The deposit for College of the Holy Cross gap year students is $500. When students apply to College of the Holy Cross having taken a gap year between high school and college, this has no affect on an applicant’s admissions assessment. Students who wish to defer admission for one year, should submit a formal written request, detailing how he or she plans to spend the year. Students may not enroll at another college or university during their gap year. When a deferral is approved, the student must submit a $500 non-refundable enrollment deposit. Students need to re-apply for financial aid for the following year.”
Olin College of Engineering, Needham. Acceptance rate: 8.8% (2016).
**UPDATED, 2019
“When Olin College of Engineering accepts a student to the institution, she or he may defer for one year. When a student chooses to defer acceptance, Olin College of Engineering will expedite or waive the student’s reapplication process. When a student chooses to defer their enrollment, they must:
• call to notify us of their choice to defer
• complete a deferral form
• submit a written plan for their gap with an explanation
• get approval from a staff member or administrator
When a student defers enrollment, they can keep and defer merit and/or competitive scholarship awards. When a student defers enrollment, they can keep and defer needs-based scholarship awards. While on an approved deferral, a student may earn zero credits before their return to Olin College of Engineering. When an applicant defers their enrollment, the institution holds the student’s spot if they have paid a deposit. The deposit for Olin College of Engineering gap year students is $750. When students apply to Olin College of Engineering having taken a gap year between high school and college, this has no affect on an applicant’s admissions assessment.”
Tufts University, Medford. Acceptance rate: 14% (2016).
**UPDATED, 2019
“When Tufts University accepts a student to the institution, she or he may defer for one year. When a student chooses to defer acceptance, Tufts University will expedite or waive the student’s reapplication process. When a student chooses to defer their enrollment, they must:
• submit a written plan for their gap with an explanation
• get approval from a staff member or administrator
When a student defers enrollment, they can keep and defer merit and/or competitive scholarship awards. When a student defers enrollment, they can keep and defer needs-based scholarship awards. While on an approved deferral, a student may earn zero credits before their return to Tufts University. When an applicant defers their enrollment, the institution holds the student’s spot if they have paid a deposit. The deposit for Tufts University gap year students is $600. When students apply to Tufts University having taken a gap year between high school and college, this has no affect on an applicant’s admissions assessment. You can learn more about the policies at Tufts University by visiting http://admissions.tufts.edu/apply/first-year-students/application-faq/”
Wheaton College, Norton. Acceptance rate: 79% (2017).
**UPDATED, 2019
“When Wheaton College Massachusetts accepts a student to the institution, she or he may defer for one year. When a student chooses to defer acceptance, Wheaton College Massachusetts will expedite or waive the student’s reapplication process. When a student chooses to defer their enrollment, they must:
• submit a written plan for their gap with an explanation
• get approval from a staff member or administrator
When a student defers enrollment, they can keep and defer merit and/or competitive scholarship awards. When a student defers enrollment, they can keep and defer needs-based scholarship awards. While on an approved deferral, a student may earn zero credits before their return to Wheaton College Massachusetts. When an applicant defers their enrollment, the institution holds the student’s spot if they have paid a deposit. The deposit for Wheaton College Massachusetts gap year students is $1400. When students apply to Wheaton College Massachusetts having taken a gap year between high school and college, this has no affect on an applicant’s admissions assessment. Very few admitted students choose to defer their enrollment at Wheaton to pursue a gap year. Deferrals are considered on a case-by-case basis for non-credit bearing programs. Examples of approved deferrals include required military service, a year of work, travel, or language immersion. The process for a student to defer their admission for one year includes officially enrolling at Wheaton by submitting their $400 non-refundable enrollment fee, and then submitting a letter requesting their deferral detailing how students will spend the year. This letter should be sent be mid-May. If approved, the student must then pay a non-refundable $1,000 Reconfirmation Fee in January to reconfirm their intent to enroll that fall.”
Amherst College, Amherst. Acceptance rate: 14% (2013). “Students admitted to Amherst College may, with permission from the Dean of Admission, defer matriculation for a year without reapplying. The admitted student must confirm his/her intent to enroll at Amherst by submitting the enrollment form and required deposit, along with a written request for the deferral by May 1. The letter of deferral request must include a description of the intended plans for the gap year. Deferred students wishing to receive credit for academic work completed during the year between high school and their enrollment at Amherst would need to reapply for admission to. All financial aid at Amherst College is awarded on the basis of a family’s current financial need (there are no athletic or academic/merit scholarships). Because all our financial aid in need-based, the simple act of deferring enrollment for a year does not affect a student’s eligibility for financial aid, but the student would have to submit an updated financial aid application in order for a current award to be determined.”
Boston University, Boston. Acceptance rate: 45.5% (2012). “Deferred admission may only be granted to admitted freshman students who have paid the required non-refundable $650 enrollment deposit. Deferred admission may be requested for one or two semesters. Financial aid offers cannot be deferred. Students must reapply for financial aid by the deadlines listed below. Merit scholarship award deferrals may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Arvind and Chandan Nandlal Kilachand Honors College deferrals may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Students planning to complete a post-graduate year of high school are not eligible for deferred admission. Students admitted to the College of General Studies; the School of Theatre in the College of Fine Arts; or the School of Management may only request deferred admission to begin in September. Students admitted to one of the accelerated programs in the College of Arts and Sciences may, in some cases, be granted deferred admission status. However, all requests will be forwarded to and decided on by the Accelerated Programs Joint Admissions Committee. Students planning to matriculate at another institution are not eligible for deferral. Any deferred student who matriculates at another institution will lose deferred admission status at Boston University and will forfeit the enrollment deposit. Students who wish to take courses with non-degree status during the period of deferment are limited to two courses per semester. Credit earned at other institutions will be evaluated for transfer credit in accordance with established Boston University policies. Admitted transfer students are not eligible for deferred admission.” For Fall sessions, the deadline for deferral is August 1. Spring session’s deferral is January 1.”
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge. Acceptance rate: 8.9% (2012). “From my years in admissions, the overwhelming sentiment from students who have taken a gap year has been:No one ever regrets having taken a gap year, but plenty of people regret not having taken one. The bottom line here is that it is okay to slow down. Life, college, career — it’s not a race.” “On your online reply form on your MyMIT portal, just choose: ‘I will enroll at MIT and I request to defer my enrollment until the term beginning:’ And then choose one of the options for length of deferral. We will then ask you to write us and tell us what you plan to do. We will grant a deferral for almost any reason. Come up with somewhat of a plan, and you’ll probably be fine. Some members of the Class of 2011 deferred to spend a year in Israel, others to do intensive music study. What you do is up to you. I should also note that if your gap year plans are not certain by May 1, you can instead select the “Enrolling” option on the reply form, and then you can request a deferral any time right up until Registration Day in September (though I strongly suggest you do so well before that). No worries. And if you already have submitted your reply form telling us you’re enrolling, again, no worries: you, too, can request a deferral any time right up until Registration Day in September (though, again, I strongly suggest you do so well before that).”
University of Massachusetts Boston. This college has otherwise been known to be favorable to Gap Year students deferring.
University of MA Medical School, Worchester. This college has otherwise been known to be favorable to Gap Year students deferring.
Wellesley, Wellesley. Acceptance rate: 31% (2010). “Students need to deposit to secure their place in the class by May 1 and write a formal letter to the dean stating their plans during their gap year. The dean will then respond to each student on a case by case basis. All of our students have to reapply for financial aid every year, regardless of gap year, as all of our aid is need based. We do not give any scholarships.”

Michigan

Alma College, Alma. Acceptance rate: 73% (2010). “Students can apply to Alma at anytime during the year through rolling admissions. We would recommend applying during their senior year. Once accepted they can submit their commitment deposit and defer their enrollment for the following year. If students have any questions about the admissions process they should call 1(800)321-ALMA or email admissions@alma.edu. Students will not need to reapply for their Alma College Scholarships but will need to file the FAFSA again for the academic year they will be attending. Scholarships will not be lost however, financial assistance is subject to change based on the students FAFSA.”
Aquinas College, Grand Rapids. Acceptance rate: 65% (2014). “Please let the admissions office know of your decision to defer prior to May 1. Students should re-file their FAFSA for the current school year. Scholarships will be held for one year for gap year students, granted they have not earned credit at another educational institution.”
Cornerstone University, Grand Rapids Charter Township. Acceptance rate: 63% (2010). “Cornerstone University offers rolling admission. If a student wishes to defer admission for a semester or year, the student’s Admission Counselor can schedule to have the file reactivated for the appropriate semester. Application materials will be held for up to two years and not need to be resubmitted.”
Hillsdale College, Hillsdale. Acceptance rate: 41.9% (2012). “We do not defer applications, no matter the reason. But a student can reactivate their application without resubmitting all their materials. Usually students haven’t submitted their final transcript, but otherwise we just need a description of what they’ve been up to since their application. Financial Aid and Scholarships are reconsidered for both merit-based scholarships and need-based aid.”
Kalamazoo College, Kalamazoo. Acceptance rate: 69% (2017). **UPDATED 2019
“When Kalamazoo College accepts a student to the institution, she or he may defer for one year. When a student chooses to defer acceptance, Kalamazoo College will expedite or waive the student’s reapplication process.When a student chooses to defer their enrollment, they must:
• call to notify us of their choice to defer
• submit a written plan for their gap with an explanation
When a student defers enrollment, they can keep and defer merit and/or competitive scholarship awards. When a student defers enrollment, they can keep and defer needs-based scholarship awards. While on an approved deferral, a student may earn zero credits before their return to Kalamazoo College. When an applicant defers their enrollment, the institution holds the student’s spot if they have paid a deposit. The deposit for Kalamazoo College gap year students is $350. When students apply to Kalamazoo College having taken a gap year between high school and college, this has no affect on an applicant’s admissions assessment. Discussions about deferral happen with students on a case-by-case basis and the policy is not written anywhere on the website. However, Kzoo is updating its website this summer.”
Michigan Tech, Houghton. Acceptance rate: 74% (2010). “The student will need to contact the Admissions Office and indicate that they would like to defer their acceptance to a specific date (normally we can defer up to a year). Students should contact the admissions office at 888-688-1885 or by email at mtu4u@mtu.edu to notify us of their plans. Students should notify us as soon as possible so other offices–such as housing and residential life–can be informed of the change. As long as the student is not taking any college classes during that time they will stay accepted.Any merit-based scholarships through our Presidential Scholars Program, National Scholars Program will be awarded following a gap year provided students are not taking courses for college credit following their high school graduation. Students must contact the financial aid office at 888-688-1885 or by email to financialaid@mtu.edu to explain the change in enrollment and request to have their scholarship rolled to the future semester. If students are taking college courses during the gap year, they will be considered a transfer student for the future semester they plan to enroll and will need to reapply for admission and reconsideration of scholarships. If students wish to be considered for need-based aid for the future semester of enrollment, they must reapply with the FAFSA form for the time of enrollment. Any other aid awarded prior to the student taking a gap year will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Students can contact the financial aid office for more details.”
Oakland University, Rochester. Acceptance rate: 68% (2010). “Admission is good for one calendar year. A student may enroll up to one year after their initial term of admission. Students may also choose to call our Office of Undergraduate Admissions and ask to update their application to a later term. Students must re-file their FAFSA for the current school year. Scholarships may be awarded to a gap year student, granted they have not earned credit at another educational institution, and funds are still available.”

Minnesota

Augsburg University, Minneapolis. Acceptance rate: 45% (2017).
**UPDATED, 2019
“When Augsburg University accepts a student to the institution, she or he may defer for one year. When a student chooses to defer acceptance, Augsburg University will expedite or waive the student’s reapplication process. When a student chooses to defer their enrollment, they must:
• call to notify us of their choice to defer
When a student defers enrollment, they can keep and defer merit and/or competitive scholarship awards. When a student defers enrollment, they can keep and defer needs-based scholarship awards. While on an approved deferral, a student may earn unlimited credits before their return to Augsburg University. When an applicant defers their enrollment, the institution holds the student’s spot if they have paid a deposit. The deposit for Augsburg University gap year students is $150. When students apply to Augsburg University having taken a gap year between high school and college, this has no affect on an applicant’s admissions assessment.”
Macalaster College, Saint Paul. Acceptance rate: 37% (2017).
**UPDATED, 2019
“When Macalester College accepts a student to the institution, she or he may defer for one year. When a student chooses to defer acceptance, Macalester College will expedite or waive the student’s reapplication process. Each year, some students who have been offered first-year admission to Macalester request the deferral of their admission. Deferrals may be granted for a variety of reasons, most commonly to allow a student to spend time overseas. Deferral requests, which are approved at the discretion of the Dean of Admissions, are granted for a period of one academic year. There are no semester deferrals. Candidates should be aware, however, that Macalester will accept no more than the equivalent of 20 semester credit hours for academic work completed prior to matriculation at Macalester, whether earned during secondary school or during the deferral period. Deferral requests or questions about the deferral process should be directed to the Admissions Office. (admissions@macalester.edu) Decisions regarding credit are made by the Registrar. For more information, call the Registrar’s Office at (651) 696-6200. When a student chooses to defer their enrollment, they must:
• call to notify us of their choice to defer
• complete a deferral form
• submit a written plan for their gap with an explanation
• get approval from a staff member or administrator
When a student defers enrollment, they can keep and defer merit and/or competitive scholarship awards. When a student defers enrollment, they can keep and defer needs-based scholarship awards. While on an approved deferral, a student may earn more than 12 credits before their return to Macalester College. When an applicant defers their enrollment, the institution holds the student’s spot if they have paid a deposit. The deposit for Macalester College gap year students is $300. When students apply to Macalester College having taken a gap year between high school and college, this has no affect on an applicant’s admissions assessment. “
University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. Acceptance rate: 44% (2017).
**UPDATED, 2019
“When University of Minnesota – Twin Cities accepts a student to the institution, she or he may defer for one year. When a student chooses to defer acceptance, University of Minnesota – Twin Cities will expedite or waive the student’s reapplication process. When a student chooses to defer their enrollment, they must:
• call to notify us of their choice to defer
• complete a deferral form
• submit a written plan for their gap with an explanation
• get approval from a staff member or administrator
When a student defers enrollment, they can keep and defer merit and/or competitive scholarship awards. When a student defers enrollment, they can keep and defer needs-based scholarship awards. While on an approved deferral, a student may earn zero credits before their return to University of Minnesota – Twin Cities. When students apply to University of Minnesota – Twin Cities having taken a gap year between high school and college, this has no affect on an applicant’s admissions assessment. To defer your admission to the University of Minnesota, you will need to contact an admissions counselor and let them know why you are deferring. They will ask for a statement that will then be approved by a Director. You do not need to deposit to hold your space for next year, we will simply need your final high school transcript and will look to readmit you the following fall. We look to retain any honors or scholarships you may have received during your initial admission, but these are subject to change based on performance in your senior year and space/funds availability.”
Bemidji State University, Bemidji. Acceptance rate: 90% (2010). “To my knowledge, BSU does not have a formal Gap Deferral Policy. However, we handle gap students’ situations on a case-by-case basis. A student must provide written notification that they intend to take a year off. In line with this, if a student happens to earn any college credit during the Gap Year, they must reapply as a new student. Financial Aid: Yes [deferral students do need to reapply for financial aid]. Scholarships: Some. (BSU has Freshmen Merit-Based Scholarships that are guaranteed to true freshmen at any point within two years of their high school graduation, as long as no outside college credits have been earned during their Gap Year. However, a student would need to reapply to any of our Foundation Scholarships.”
Carleton College, Northfield, MN (Deferral is 1-2 years but only on a case by case basis. Financial aid based on need on re-entry)
The College of St. Scholastica, Duluth. Acceptance rate: 81%. “Once a student applies for a given year, they simply need to request to be deferred for a year. We will roll their application and acceptance into the following year and communicate with them as appropriate for the subsequent deadlines. Yes, the FAFSA will need to be completed for the upcoming year, but scholarships will roll with the application.”
St. Olaf College, Northfield, MN (Deferral for 1 academic year encouraged/preferred, scholarships hold over, reapply for financial aid on re-entry)
University of Minnesota, Crookston, MN (1 semester deferral, scholarships hold over on case by case basis)

Mississippi

Mississippi College, Clinton. Acceptance rate: 44% (2010). “We don’t “defer” admissions. We require the student to re-apply. As long as they reapply without any major changes over that year (course credit with poor grades, conviction, etc.) they will be admitted without any problems and receive a comparable scholarship package. Our application can be found online at www.mc.edu, and there is a rolling admissions deadline for us. When they reapply for admission, we’ll need any new transcripts they may have during that gap year. Other than these, a scholarship will typically be based upon the student’s first application.”

Missouri

Missouri University of Science and Technology, Rolla. Acceptance rate: 79% (2017).
**UPDATED, 2019
“When Missouri University of Science and Technology accepts a student to the institution, she or he may defer for more than one year. When a student chooses to defer acceptance, Missouri University of Science and Technology will expedite or waive the student’s reapplication process. When a student chooses to defer their enrollment, they must:
• call to notify us of their choice to defer
• get approval from a staff member or administrator
When a student defers enrollment, they can keep and defer merit and/or competitive scholarship awards. When a student defers enrollment, they can keep and defer needs-based scholarship awards. While on an approved deferral, a student may earn zero credits before their return to Missouri University of Science and Technology. When students apply to Missouri University of Science and Technology having taken a gap year between high school and college, this has no affect on an applicant’s admissions assessment. Admitted students who wish to delay matriculation should communicate with the Associate Director or Director of Admissions to clarify plans. Students must also communicate with Student Financial Assistance regarding merit scholarships, including receiving written (email) confirmation of which scholarships may be retained for a future enrollment. No enrollment deposit will be required until the year the student prepares for matriculation.”
Missouri State University, Springfield. Acceptance rate: 83% (2010). “A student would just need to update their application to indicate the term they wish to start. If we have not yet received their final high school transcript, they would need to submit that prior to their intended start term. Yes, they would need to submit a new FAFSA, as it is based on the previous calendar year’s information. They would lose their scholarship. However, they may appeal to the Director of Scholarships in advance and may be allowed to retain their scholarship.”
Missouri University of Science and Technology, Rolla. Acceptance rate: 90% (2010). “If a student does not enroll for a semester and then would like to return to S&T they must complete the Former Missouri S&T Student Undergraduate Application for Admission. If they have attended any colleges or universities since last attending S&T they would need to submit official transcripts along with the application. The application is submitted to the Registrar’s Office and then forwarded to the appropriate academic department for approval. The form can be found on the Registrar’s Office webpage.”
Northwest Missouri State University, Maryville. Acceptance rate: 70% (2010). “We do not currently have any “gap year” policies in effect at Northwest Missouri State University.”
University of Missouri, Columbia. Acceptance rate: 81% (2010). “Gap year deferral requests are handled on an individual basis upon written request from the student. In general we would normally approve gap year requests for community service, mission work, military service, language immersion, etc. Sport opportunities, working, maturation, and other such requests would not generally be granted. If the student intends to earn college credit during their gap year the deferral would typically not be granted and they would have to reapply as a transfer student and meet those requirements. Automatic scholarship deferral would need to be appealed (through financial aid) but most other financial aid would require another FAFSA, etc.”

Montana

Montana State University, Bozeman. Acceptance rate: 83.9% (2014).
**UPDATED, 2019
“When Montana State University accepts a student to the institution, she or he may defer for one year. When a student chooses to defer acceptance, Montana State University will expedite or waive the student’s reapplication process True. When a student chooses to defer their enrollment, they must:
• call to notify us of their choice to defer
• complete a deferral form
While on an approved deferral, a student may earn 6-12 credits before their return to Montana State University. When students apply to Montana State University having taken a gap year between high school and college, this has no affect on an applicant’s admissions assessment.”

Nevada

University of Nevada, Reno, Reno. Acceptance rate: 88% (2010). “We do not have a policy for deferring admissions. If you do not attend the semester in which you applied for, you need to apply again. However, once you have attended at least one semester we do have a formal Leave of Absence policy that allows students to take one to two semesters off with no penalties. Details about this policy can be found in our academic catalog.”

New Jersey

Princeton University, Princeton, (Bridge Year available to 10% incoming freshmen). Acceptance rate: 8.5% (2012). “The Bridge Year Program allows a select number of Princeton students to delay the start of their freshman year in order to engage in nine months of University-sponsored service at one of four international locations. In addition to supporting community-based initiatives at each program site, Bridge Year aims to provide participants with greater international perspective and intercultural skills, an opportunity for personal growth and reflection, and a deeper appreciation of service in both a local and international context.
Bridge Year is a structured nine-month program with a focus on community service and cultural immersion for Princeton students prior to the start of their freshman year. The volunteer placement. Bridge Year students are placed in volunteer assignments that serve local communities while enriching their understanding of the world. Bridge Year volunteers might teach in an elementary school or serve patients in a health clinic. Other placements might include promoting economic development or organizing environmental initiatives. Regardless of the assignment, participants work closely with the host community, collaborating earnestly and gaining a deep understanding of the lives and experiences of local people. The living experience. Bridge Year volunteers live with local families within the community where they serve, providing them the opportunity to establish meaningful relationships, develop and master language skills, and become a part of the local society. Language training. Program participants receive intensive language training upon arrival on site. Conversational competence is stressed so that participants are able to apply learning to their service assignment early on and communicate effectively with others within the community. Peer support. Students are placed in small groups at each program location, providing access to the support and comfort of peers throughout their year abroad. Destinations. Volunteers spend the duration of the Bridge Year in a country other than their own. Princeton currently sends Bridge Year participants to program sites in China, India, Peru and Senegal.
If you have any questions, please contact us at byp@princeton.edu.”
Rutgers University, Newark. Acceptance rate: 61% (2010). “Deferrals of admission may be granted to first-year students for a full academic year, from one fall semester to the very next fall semester, unless the reason for deferral is for US military service. A deferral is official only when you are notified that the Office of University Undergraduate Admissions has granted your request. Your Rutgers Status will be updated to show when the deferral request has been granted. The following are the conditions under which deferrals are usually granted: (1) You must be a fall, first-year admitted student, or an admitted transfer who will be pursuing U.S. military service. (2) Your acceptance fee of $150.00 must be included with your request for deferral. If your deferral is not granted, your fee will be returned. (3) Scholarships, admission to honors programs, and Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) awards are specific to each academic year and may not be deferred. Students who have deferred admission are considered for any scholarships, honors programs and awards when they reapply. (4) No new application fee is required if you meet all of the deferral requirements. (5) You may resubmit your previous essay or compose a new one.”

New Hampshire

Saint Anselm College, Manchester. Acceptance rate: 71% (2011). “Admitted students who would like to postpone enrollment at Saint Anselm College for a semester or a year can request to defer their admission. Please note the following action items if you plan to defer: Requests for deferrals must be put in writing from the student to the Director of Admission and sent via e-mail to enichols@anselm.edu or postal mail to the Saint Anselm Admission Office (100 Saint Anselm Drive, Manchester, NH 03012). Please include your name and date of birth in your letter. The request should include a short description of your intended plans during the deferral period (either semester or year). Deferrals are granted for personal reasons—ie; time off to work/travel, medical reasons, among others. Saint Anselm College will not approve deferral requests in which the student will be taking college coursework as a matriculated student elsewhere, or completing a post-graduate year. It is permissible to take courses as a non-degree student. If that is your intention, please let us know in your letter requesting the deferral. If you know you will be deferring your admission you do need to send in an enrollment deposit by the May 1 deadline to guarantee a space in the class (for fall semester admits). Deferral requests made after May 1 (for fall semester admits) will be considered on a case-by-case basis.If a deferral is approved, a form to reinstate admission for the future semester will be sent with the approval letter. Please follow the instructions provided on that form. Students who defer for a year must remember to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and CSS PROFILE by March 15 of the year they will be enrolling to be considered for need-based financial aid. Students who defer for only one semester will have their Financial Aid package modified to indicate only one semester of need. If you received a merit award it will automatically be posted to your account for the following academic year.”
Dartmouth, North Dartmouth. Acceptance rate: 9.8% (2012). “Admitted students who would like to request a gap year can make this request by emailing the Admissions Office by June 1 in the year that they have been admitted. Admitted students who defer their enrollment may not apply to any other colleges or universities during their gap year. The Admissions Office asks students who have deferred enrollment to write to the Admissions Office as soon as possible after January 1 of their gap year to provide an update of experiences, activities, and course work, if applicable. The Admissions Committee reserves the right to review the status of any admitted student, including those on a gap year, and to rescind the offer of admission if a student’s record does not remain satisfactory in all respects. While on your gap year, we require that you write to our office as soon as possible after January 1 to reaffirm your commitment to join the newest Dartmouth class. This email should also describe your experiences and undertakings during your gap year.”

New York

Houghton College, Houghton. Acceptance rate: 93.8% (2014).
**UPDATED, 2019
“When Houghton College accepts a student to the institution, she or he may defer for more than one year. When a student chooses to defer acceptance, Houghton College will expedite or waive the student’s reapplication process. When a student chooses to defer their enrollment, they must:
• call to notify us of their choice to defer
When a student defers enrollment, they can keep and defer merit and/or competitive scholarship awards. When a student defers enrollment, they can keep and defer needs-based scholarship awards. While on an approved deferral, a student may earn unlimited credits before their return to Houghton College. When an applicant defers their enrollment, the institution holds the student’s spot. Houghton College does not charge a deposit. When students apply to Houghton College having taken a gap year between high school and college, this has no affect on an applicant’s admissions assessment. Students who have previously applied to Houghton, whether they were admitted or not, may submit a brief reapplication form to have their original application for admission reactivated. In general, a student’s application for admission may be held for up to two years. Beyond two years after the initial application, students seeking admission may need to begin a new application. The reapplication form is accessible on the Admission website.”
Barnard College. This college has otherwise been known to be favorable to Gap Year students deferring.
Binghamton University, Binghamton, NY. Acceptance rate: 40% (2010). No official deferral policy, but there are a list of resources.
Colgate University, Hamilton. Acceptance rate: 29% (2010). “While most students apply for admission with the intention of entering college the fall after graduation, some accepted students may wish to postpone entrance to Colgate for a year. Accepted students who do not matriculate at another institution may request to postpone their enrollment for one year. Students must pay a non-refundable $500 deposit and submit a signed enrollment certificate by May 1. A request to postpone enrollment should be made in writing to the Office of Admission by June 1 of the year admission was offered. Upon approval to postpone enrollment, an additional $500 deposit and a signed deferred enrollment contract are required within ten days to hold the student’s place in the class. Students applying for financial assistance must file the Financial Aid PROFILE with the College Scholarship Service (CSS) and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) with the federal processor by Feb. 1 of the year of intended fall enrollment. Candidates may expect notification of financial aid awards by early April of the spring before entrance.”
Columbia University, New York City, (Deferral is 2 semesters or 1 academic year)
Columbia College
Fu Foundation School of Engineering. This college has otherwise been known to be favorable to Gap Year students deferring.
Hamilton College, Clinton. This college has otherwise been known to be favorable to Gap Year students deferring.
Long Island University (Global College), Brooklyn & Global. Acceptance rate: 82% (2017). **UPDATED 2019
“When Warren Wilson College accepts a student to the institution, she or he may defer for one year. When a student chooses to defer acceptance, Warren Wilson College will expedite or waive the student’s reapplication process. When a student chooses to defer their enrollment, they must:
• complete a deferral form
• get approval from a staff member or administrator
When a student defers enrollment, they can keep and defer merit and/or competitive scholarship awards. When a student defers enrollment, they can keep and defer needs-based scholarship awards. While on an approved deferral, a student may earn more than 12 credits before their return to Warren Wilson College. When an applicant defers their enrollment, the institution holds the student’s spot if they have paid a deposit. The deposit for Warren Wilson College gap year students is $300. When students apply to Warren Wilson College having taken a gap year between high school and college, this counts favorably for an applicant.”
New York University (NYU), New York City. This college has otherwise been known to be favorable to Gap Year students deferring.
Rochester Institute of Technology, Acceptance rate: 58.5% (2013). “When Rochester Institute of Technology accepts a student to the institution, she or he may defer for more than one year. When a student chooses to defer acceptance, Rochester Institute of Technology will expedite or waive the student’s reapplication process. When a student chooses to defer their enrollment, they must:
• call to notify us of their choice to defer
• complete a deferral form
When a student defers enrollment, they can keep and defer merit and/or competitive scholarship awards. When a student defers enrollment, they can keep and defer needs-based scholarship awards. While on an approved deferral, a student may earn up to 6 credits before their return to Rochester Institute of Technology. When an applicant defers their enrollment, the institution holds the student’s spot if they have paid a deposit. The deposit for Rochester Institute of Technology gap year students is $300. When students apply to Rochester Institute of Technology having taken a gap year between high school and college, this has no affect on an applicant’s admissions assessment. Admitted students who wish to defer their admission should email: admissions@rit.edu and let us know their intentions during the upcoming year (employment, travel, volunteer work, enrichment activity, etc). An enrollment deposit is not required for the deferral to be granted. Students may defer up to two years, but deferrals are granted only one year at a time.
Skidmore College, Saratoga Springs. This college has otherwise been known to be favorable to Gap Year students deferring.
Siena College, Loudonville. Acceptance rate: 48% (2010). “To maintain acceptance to Siena after a gap year, students would have to deposit ($350) at Siena and inform us that they will be taking a gap year. We will then send them the necessary form to fill out looking for more information on their plans during the gap year. Students will not need to re-apply for financial aid or scholarships. Everything will remain the same. We do not have a system for tracking academic performance of a gap year. We would hope the students keep us posted on their progress throughout the year.”
State University of New York (SUNY) – Purchase, Purchase. Acceptance rate: 34% (2010). “The student follows the same deferral process as any other student. The student needs to notify us that they will be taking a gap year and would like to defer their admission. We notate it in the system and then send them a deferral contract. In that contract they need to state if they have taken or will be taking any coursework during the time period of the deferral. If they answer yes, they are required to submit official transcripts. If not, the deferral will be processed and they will receive all appropriate follow up information for the following semester. Yes, they [students] must reapply for aid but the award would stand for 1 year (if academic).”
Syracuse University, Acceptance rate: 49.4% (2011). Syracuse has their own Gap Year program in London and another in Madrid.
University of Rochester, Rochester. Acceptance rate: 36% (2010). “A student needs to e-mail myself or Chris Antal and describe in as much detail as possible what the students plans are for a gap year. It cannot be done on-line, or through the website. It has to be done directly with either Chris or myself. Once we grant a deferral for the year the student is taking a gap year, we ask the student to complete a form that Chris or I send directly to the student. The form is only sent after the deferral is granted. We must receive this form before the deferral is final. We make this very clear to students. Students do need to re-apply for financial aid. In almost all cases their scholarship is retained.”
Vassar College, Poughkeepsie. Acceptance rate: 23% (2010). “Vassar College welcomes students who wish to do a gap year between high school and college. Here is the wording from our FAQ for prospective students on this topic: Admitted freshman students may, with the permission of the Office of Admission, defer entry to Vassar for one year. Students must first confirm their intent to enroll at Vassar by submitting the Candidate’s Reply Form and the required enrollment deposit by May 1. A written request outlining specific plans for the gap year should also be submitted, preferably along with the enrollment deposit, but by no later than June 1. If deferred status is approved, a formal letter stating the conditions under which the deferral has been granted will be sent to the student. However, students who may be offered admission to Vassar from the waiting list after May 1 are not eligible to request a deferral of admission. In virtually every case, the gap year is approved and the students are told that (1) they may not enroll at another institution as a full-time student during the year, and (2) they must write to us by the end of February of the gap year to re-confirm their intention to enroll the following fall. About 10-12 students defer their admission and do a gap year each year.”

North Carolina

WARREN WILSON COLLEGE Swannanoa. Acceptance rate: 71.8% (2015). **UPDATED, 2018 “When Warren Wilson College accepts a student to the institution, she or he may defer for one year. When a student chooses to defer acceptance, Warren Wilson College will expedite or waive the student’s reapplication process. You can read more about Warren Wilson College policies on taking a gap year at https://www.warren-wilson.edu/admission/gap-year/. When a student chooses to defer their enrollment, they must: complete a deferral form, and get approval from a staff member or administrator. When a student defers enrollment, they can keep and defer merit and/or competitive scholarship awards. While on an approved deferral, a student may earn more than 12 credits before their return to Warren Wilson College. When an applicant defers their enrollment, the institution holds the student’s spot if they have paid a deposit. The deposit for Warren Wilson College gap year students is $300. When students apply to Warren Wilson College having taken a gap year between high school and college, this counts favorably for an applicant. You can learn more about the policies at Warren Wilson College by visiting https://www.warren-wilson.edu/admission/gap-year/. Some of the other benefits for gap year students at Warren Wilson College include: A student organization for those who have taken a gap year, and student support services such as advising, counseling, or coaching to deferred students while they are away on a gap year.”
Duke University, Durham. Acceptance rate: 11% (2018).**UPDATED, 2019 “When Duke University accepts a student to the institution, she or he may defer for more than one year. When a student chooses to defer acceptance, Duke University will expedite or waive the student’s reapplication process. When a student chooses to defer their enrollment, they must: • submit a written plan for their gap with an explanation • get approval from a staff member or administrator When a student defers enrollment, they can keep and defer merit and/or competitive scholarship awards. When a student defers enrollment, they can keep and defer needs-based scholarship awards. While on an approved deferral, a student may earn zero credits before their return to Duke University. When an applicant defers their enrollment, the institution holds the student’s spot. Duke does not require a deposit from any enrolling student. When students apply to Duke University having taken a gap year between high school and college, this has no affect on an applicant’s admissions assessment.”
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill. Acceptance rate: 27% (2017).**UPDATED, 2019 “When UNC Chapel Hill accepts a student to the institution, she or he may defer for one year. When a student chooses to defer acceptance, UNC Chapel Hill will expedite or waive the student’s reapplication process. You can read more about UNC Chapel Hill policies on taking a gap year at https://admissions.unc.edu/explore/enrich-your-education/global-gap-year-fellowship/. When a student chooses to defer their enrollment, they must: • submit a written plan for their gap with an explanation • get approval from a staff member or administrator When a student defers enrollment, they can keep and defer merit and/or competitive scholarship awards. When a student defers enrollment, they can keep and defer needs-based scholarship awards. When an applicant defers their enrollment, the institution holds the student’s spot if they have paid a deposit. The deposit for UNC Chapel Hill gap year students is $250. When students apply to UNC Chapel Hill having taken a gap year between high school and college, this counts favorably for an applicant. You can learn more about the policies at UNC Chapel Hill by visiting https://admissions.unc.edu/policies-and-reports/deferring-your-enrollment/”
University of North Carolina at Wilmington, Wilmington. Acceptance rate: 59% (2017).**UPDATED, 2019 “When University of North Carolina Wilmington accepts a student to the institution, she or he may defer for one year. When a student chooses to defer acceptance, University of North Carolina Wilmington will expedite or waive the student’s reapplication process. When a student chooses to defer their enrollment, they must: • complete a deferral form • submit a written plan for their gap with an explanation • get approval from a staff member or administrator While on an approved deferral, a student may earn 6-12 credits before their return to University of North Carolina Wilmington. When an applicant defers their enrollment, the institution holds the student’s spot if they have paid a deposit. The deposit for University of North Carolina Wilmington gap year students is $100. When students apply to University of North Carolina Wilmington having taken a gap year between high school and college, this has no affect on an applicant’s admissions assessment. You can learn more about the policies at University of North Carolina Wilmington by visiting https://uncw.edu/admissions/Defer.html.”
Gardner-Webb University, Boiling Springs. Acceptance rate: 59% (2017). **UPDATED 2019 “When Gardner-Webb University accepts a student to the institution, she or he may defer for one year. When a student chooses to defer acceptance, Gardner-Webb University will expedite or waive the student’s reapplication process. When a student chooses to defer their enrollment, they must: • call to notify us of their choice to deferWhen a student defers enrollment, they can keep and defer merit and/or competitive scholarship awards. When a student defers enrollment, they can keep and defer needs-based scholarship awards. While on an approved deferral, a student may earn 6-12 credits before their return to Gardner-Webb University. When students apply to Gardner-Webb University having taken a gap year between high school and college, this has no affect on an applicant’s admissions assessment.”
North Carolina State University, Raleigh. Acceptance rate: 50% (2012). “hWhen NC State University accepts a student to the institution, she or he may defer for more than one year. When a student chooses to defer acceptance, NC State University will expedite or waive the student’s reapplication process. When a student chooses to defer their enrollment, they must: • complete a deferral form • submit a written plan for their gap with an explanation • get approval from a staff member or administrator While on an approved deferral, a student may earn zero credits before their return to NC State University. When an applicant defers their enrollment, the institution holds the student’s spot if they have paid a deposit. The deposit for NC State University gap year students is $300. Deposit is required at time of enrollment; it is not required in order to approve a deferral of enrollment. When students apply to NC State University having taken a gap year between high school and college, this has no affect on an applicant’s admissions assessment.”
University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte. Acceptance rate: 71% (2010). Thank you for reaching out with your question, I am happy to help. As a policy, we do not defer admissions for any reason. We ask student to complete a new application for their desired term. An application can only be used for the term they originally apply and are admitted for. The one exception is for students who are admitted for the fall or summer session and want to change between those two (fall start or summer start are interchangeable, and the only ones that are). I hope this helps answer your questions.

Ohio

Ashland University, Ashland. Acceptance rate: 72% (2010). “[Deferrals are] handled simply via the request from a student to update their enrollment start term. We don’t have any special forms to fill out for this request. No scholarships will be lost if a student takes a gap year. A student will have to file the FAFSA again the following year, but they would have to do that anyway, even if they had enrolled right after HS, since it is a new calendar year.”
Denison University, Granville. Acceptance rate: 44% (2017). UPDATED 2019
“When Denison University accepts a student to the institution, she or he may defer for one year. When a student chooses to defer their enrollment, they must:
• submit a written plan for their gap with an explanation
• get approval from a staff member or administrator
When a student defers enrollment, they can keep and defer merit and/or competitive scholarship awards. When a student defers enrollment, they can keep and defer needs-based scholarship awards. While on an approved deferral, a student may earn zero credits before their return to Denison University. When an applicant defers their enrollment, the institution holds the student’s spot if they have paid a deposit. The deposit for Denison University gap year students is $300. When students apply to Denison University having taken a gap year between high school and college, this has no affect on an applicant’s admissions assessment.”
Kent State University, Kent. Acceptance rate: 89% (2010). “Student can request a deferral for one year – must submit in writing to the Admissions Office no later than May 1. Students do not need to reapply for scholarships but should submit the FAFSA for the next year.”
John Carroll University, University Heights. Acceptance rate: 84% (2010). “We don’t have a policy but we do see some students who wait a year before enrolling or look at transferring to JCU. If a student applied to our school for the fall and then wanted to defer their enrollment to another term, we do allow them to do so. We would treat that student as a freshman if they didn’t take any college level courses or as a transfer student if they did for when they enroll again. Becky Dinnen is our Director of Transfer students and works with all transfer students who are interested in enrolling at JCU. In regards to financial aid or scholarships, if they are a transfer student they need to apply as such and all the information can be found on our website at: www.jcu.edu/transfer. If they are an incoming student but did not take college level classes, we would review them for scholarships and financial aid as an incoming freshman. This information is on our admission website at: www.jcu.edu/admission.”
Miami University, Oxford. Acceptance rate: 74% (2010). The steps followed are: “Forward request to director of admission for approval. If approved the student is forwarded to processing. The admission counselor working with the student should inform the student that the confirmation deposit MUST be submitted in order to defer enrollment. Letter is generated and “Deferred Admission Application” is enclosed with the letter. If necessary, we notify financial aid/SEP/Honor/Academic Division/Athletics. We add activity to data base: Communication, Deferral Letter Sent. We will submit a “Request to Change of Deposit Status” to the Bursar. Student financial aid awards typically continue to their enrollment. Families should refile the FAFSA each year however.”
University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati. Acceptance rate: 65% (2010). “For information on our Deferral Policy, please visit http://admissions.uc.edu/apply/faq/deferral.html.”

Oregon

Wayfinding Academy(Associates Degree only), Portland.
**UPDATED, 2018
“Once a student has completed their application to attend Wayfinding and been invited to be a student with us, they can pay the deposit to hold their spot in an upcoming cohort (two start dates per year) and complete a gap year then join us afterwards.”
University of Oregon, Eugene. Acceptance rate: 78% (2017).
**UPDATED, 2019
“When University of Oregon accepts a student to the institution, she or he may defer for one year. When a student chooses to defer acceptance, University of Oregon will expedite or waive the student’s reapplication process. When a student chooses to defer their enrollment, they must:
• complete a deferral form
• submit a written plan for their gap with an explanation
When a student defers enrollment, they can keep and defer merit and/or competitive scholarship awards. When a student defers enrollment, they can keep and defer needs-based scholarship awards. While on an approved deferral, a student may earn zero credits before their return to University of Oregon. When an applicant defers their enrollment, the institution holds the student’s spot if they have paid a deposit. The deposit for University of Oregon gap year students is $200. When students apply to University of Oregon having taken a gap year between high school and college, this has no affect on an applicant’s admissions assessment.”
Lewis & Clark College, Portland. Acceptance rate: 66% (2010). “A non-refundable tuition deposit of $300 is required from all students who intend to enroll at Lewis & Clark College. The postmark deadline for the deposit and the Admitted Student Reply Form is May 1, 2013. Students offered admission off of the wait list are not allowed to defer their enrollment. The deferral option is not intended to allow students to begin or continue their college career elsewhere. A student may not attend another institution on a full-time basis during the time of deferral. Full-time status is considered to be enrollment in 12 or more credits per term. It is assumed that any academic work pursued during the time of deferral will be at a level consistent with or above the student’s record with which she/he gained acceptance to Lewis & Clark College. The College reserves the right to reverse a prior admissions decision based on poor results of academic work completed during the time of deferral. Any student deferring enrollment to the fall semester of the next academic year, who has applied for need-based financial aid, will need to file the necessary forms for the new academic year sometime after January 1 and before our priority filing deadline of February 15. Any student deferring enrollment to the next academic year remains eligible for merit-based scholarships, assuming satisfactory performance in any subsequent academic work. Neely Scholarship recipients must compete with candidates for the new academic year and are guaranteed at least a Trustee Scholarship. Music and Forensics scholarships cannot be deferred; recipients of those talent-based awards must compete with candidates for the new academic year, as well.”
Oregon State University, Corvallis. Acceptance rate: 67.7% (2013). “If the student decides to take a gap year, then they will need to just wait to apply to the year that they wish to attend. If the student has already applied, then they will have to reapply for the term that they want to attend and anything offered (scholarships, financial aid) will not be deferred. The student will have to reapply for financial aid and scholarships. If you have further questions, please feel free to contact us.”
Portland State University, Portland. Acceptance rate: 89% (2017). **UPDATED 2019
“When Portland State University accepts a student to the institution, she or he may defer for one year. When a student chooses to defer acceptance, Portland State University will expedite or waive the student’s reapplication process. PSU defines a gap year as a one-year break from formal education between completion of high school and entry to college. A gap year may be taken for a variety of reasons such as work, travel, or volunteering. To support students interested in a gap year, PSU will consider a one-year deferral of admission for freshmen admitted for fall term. There is no specific requirement for activities during a gap year, but approvals are based on the belief that this time is intended to provide you with opportunities for personal growth that will benefit your future college experience. When a student chooses to defer their enrollment, they must:
• call to notify us of their choice to defer
• complete a deferral form
• submit a written plan for their gap with an explanation
• get approval from a staff member or administrator
When a student defers enrollment, they can keep and defer merit and/or competitive scholarship awards. When a student defers enrollment, they can keep and defer needs-based scholarship awards. While on an approved deferral, a student may earn zero credits before their return to Portland State University. When an applicant defers their enrollment, the institution holds the student’s spot if they have paid a deposit. The deposit for Portland State University gap year students is $200. When students apply to Portland State University having taken a gap year between high school and college, this has no affect on an applicant’s admissions assessment. You must request consideration by completing the following steps: Apply to PSU and be admitted as a freshman for Fall term. Submit your $200 tuition deposit to confirm your enrollment at PSU by May 1. Meet the eligibility requirement for the gap year: Admitted to PSU as a freshmen for fall term. Students who earned college credit while in high school are considered freshmen for admission purposes, and, therefore, still qualify.* Review the requirements for gap year deferment below. Submit the Request for Gap Year Deferral Form no later than July 1 (later requests will be still be reviewed on a case-by-case basis). This will require you to explain your gap year plans and agree to the deferral terms. It will be reviewed by the Admissions Committee and you will receive a response within 2-3 weeks. Submit your final high school transcript to PSU by August 1. Approval of Gap Year Deferrals are contingent upon fulfilling all freshman admission requirements through high school graduation. Request deferral of admission to any additional departments or programs at PSU. Examples: Honors, Music, Athletics, TRiO, etc. You are responsible for contacting these departments. If your Gap Year Deferral is approved, follow up with your Admissions Counselor to ensure you have a plan for next steps such as submitting the FAFSA, applying for housing, and signing up for Orientation Requirements If you are granted the opportunity to pursue a gap year, you may not earn college credit during that year. If you wish to earn credit, you will be required to reapply for admission and submit relevant transcripts. Audited or non-credit courses, as well as participation in Carpe Diem Education programs that result in PSU college credit, may be considered on an individual basis during requests for the gap year deferral. Any PSU merit scholarships (non-need-based aid) you have earned will be deferred. Any need-based aid is awarded annually using FAFSA information. You will need to re-submit the FAFSA annually. Deferral of admission or participation in other PSU programs (Honors, Music, athletics, etc.) and Housing is not guaranteed. You are responsible for contacting these departments to notify them of your plans and request any next steps. Correspondence from PSU will be sent by email to your @pdx.edu email address. If you will not have regular access to this account during your gap year, set up email forwarding to an account that you or your family can check. If your plans to attend PSU change during your gap year, notify us as soon as you can. Please note that tuition deposits are non-refundable, even if you choose not to attend PSU after your gap year. NOTE: Gap Year Deferrals are only for freshmen deferring admission from an initial fall term to the next fall term. For any other types of term changes, please refer to the change of admission term instructions.”

Pennsylvania

Seton Hill University, Greensburg. (There is no formal gap deferral but admissions director is a strong supporter and recommends that students write their intention of a Gap Year in the essay on the application form. Scholarships would be awarded case by case.)
Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh. Acceptance rate: 22% (2017). “When Carnegie Mellon University accepts a student to the institution, she or he may defer for more than one year. When a student chooses to defer acceptance, Carnegie Mellon University will expedite or waive the student’s reapplication process. If you’re admitted to Carnegie Mellon and wish to defer your admission, you must submit your request in writing, to the Office of Admission, along with the $800 enrollment deposit in order to confirm enrollment for the following year. In some cases, students defer their enrollment in order to take a year off to work or travel. During that year, enrollment in a degree program at another institution is prohibited.

When a student chooses to defer their enrollment, they must:
• call to notify us of their choice to defer
• submit a written plan for their gap with an explanation
• get approval from a staff member or administrator
When a student defers enrollment, they can keep and defer merit and/or competitive scholarship awards. When a student defers enrollment, they can keep and defer needs-based scholarship awards. While on an approved deferral, a student may earn up to 6 credits before their return to Carnegie Mellon University. When an applicant defers their enrollment, the institution holds the student’s spot if they have paid a deposit. The deposit for Carnegie Mellon University gap year students is $800. When students apply to Carnegie Mellon University having taken a gap year between high school and college, this has no affect on an applicant’s admissions assessment. You can learn more about the policies at Carnegie Mellon University by visiting https://www.cmu.edu/.”**UPDATED, 2019
University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia. Acceptance rate: 12.3% (2012). “You can apply to Penn after a gap year. You would apply as a freshman with all the same requirements, including test results, transcripts, etc. In addition, you would need to submit a supplemental essay to your application explaining why you needed to take a gap year and what you did during that year.”
Washington & Jefferson College, Washington. Acceptance rate: 47% (2017). **UPDATED 2019
“When Washington & Jefferson College accepts a student to the institution, she or he may defer for one year. When a student chooses to defer acceptance, Washington & Jefferson College will expedite or waive the student’s reapplication process. When a student chooses to defer their enrollment, they must:
• call to notify us of their choice to defer
• complete a deferral form
• submit a written plan for their gap with an explanation
When a student defers enrollment, they can keep and defer merit and/or competitive scholarship awards. When a student defers enrollment, they can keep and defer needs-based scholarship awards. While on an approved deferral, a student may earn more than 12 credits before their return to Washington & Jefferson College. When an applicant defers their enrollment, the institution holds the student’s spot if they have paid a deposit. The deposit for Washington & Jefferson College gap year students is $300. When students apply to Washington & Jefferson College having taken a gap year between high school and college, this counts favorably for an applicant. You can learn more about the policies at Washington & Jefferson College by visiting http://wiki.washjeff.edu/display/CATALOG2017/Deferred+Admission.”
Wilson College, Chambersburg. Acceptance rate: 52% (2010). “Wilson College permits admitted students to defer their enrollment for a semester or a year. Our applicants work with an assigned admissions counselor and lots of interaction takes place between the student and his/her admissions counselor. If a student indicates that they wish to defer their enrollment all they have to do is tell the counselor; there is no official form to complete. On our ERP system, we mark the student as deferred with the future start term they indicate. The actual hard copy applicant folder is also marked and the folder is moved to the appropriate location. Financial aid eligibility is based on the results of the FAFSA filed for that academic year and what the formula in effect indicates is the estimated family contribution. Wilson College has no control over this. We can’t carry over our financial aid offer from one year to the next for any student who did not enroll in the year for which they originally applied. Students who defer enrollment to the next academic year must, of course, file the FAFSA with the Department of Education. When we have access to their information, they are packaged for financial aid. If a student who defers enrollment has been awarded a competitive scholarship, that scholarship is not held for them because it will have been awarded to another incoming student. They would have to compete for the scholarship with the next group of incoming students. Merit scholarship amounts and eligibility requirements may change; if they do, the student who defers must meet the requirements in force for the year they will be entering. If they earn nine or more academic credits at another regionally accredited college or university, they are no longer considered first-year students. They are now classified as transfer students and must meet requirements in force for all transfer applicants.”
York College of Pennsylvania, York. Acceptance rate: 73% (2010). “We do not have any formal procedures in place at York College with regards to a gap year. If a student is accepted and decides they want to participate in a gap year they can defer their acceptance for one year. Scholarships may be lost in that the criteria may change and financial aid cannot be locked in. This would require the parents to refile a FAFSA for the appropriate year.”

South Carolina

University of South Carolina, Columbia. Acceptance rate: 68% (2018). University of South Carolina has no formal gap year deferral policy. Students applying with any college credit after high school have additional deadlines and materials to submit for acceptance that cannot be waived. Students considering University of South Carolina after their gap year should start admissions conversations early, especially where credit and financial aid are concerned.

South Dakota

Belmont University, Nashville. Acceptance rate: 80% (2010). “Students must submit a non-refundable enrollment deposit of $350 and must request, in writing, a year deferral. There is not a formal form. We will maintain the student’s scholarship and talent based awards while they are on their gap year experience. Need-based aid will need to be reassessed based on updated FAFSA information.”

Tennessee

Bryan College, Dayton. Acceptance rate: 42% (2017).
**UPDATED, 2019
“When Bryan College accepts a student to the institution, she or he may defer for one year. When a student chooses to defer acceptance, Bryan College will expedite or waive the student’s reapplication process. When a student chooses to defer their enrollment, they must:
• call to notify us of their choice to defer
• get approval from a staff member or administrator
While on an approved deferral, a student may earn zero credits before their return to Bryan College. When an applicant defers their enrollment, the institution holds the student’s spot if they have paid a deposit. When students apply to Bryan College having taken a gap year between high school and college, this has no affect on an applicant’s admissions assessment. Students may defer their enrollment but financial aid is reviewed on a case-by-case basis. We define a gap year as one in which NO CREDITS are earned. Credits earned may change the financial aid package.”
Belmont University, Nashville. Acceptance rate: 82% (2010). “Student contacts his admission counselor and requests a deferment form. There is a deadline to request a deferment (May 1 for those entering freshman approved for fall admission). Student must pay enrollment deposit for desired term of entry (after gap period). Student agrees NOT to enroll in any college-level courses during the period of deferment. Yes [students need to reapply] for financial aid, but not for scholarships.”
Lee University, Cleveland. Acceptance rate: 61% (2010). “Students would need to submit a new application if applying for a different academic school year. We keep student records for a couple year after they apply but after that amount of time they would need to resubmit transcripts and test scores as well. They could notify Admissions and let them know they want to change their entering semester and that could be done. We have rolling admissions so we don’t have an application deadline but we do have a deadline for merit based scholarships, which is March 15th. Yes, they would need to reapply [for Scholarships & Financial Aid]. If the student receives academic credit, then they would be in jeopardy of losing their automatic academic scholarships. They would want to make sure before entering a gap year that they have spoken to the Director of Admissions and cleared up questions about specific scholarships.”
Maryville College, Maryville. Acceptance rate: 66% (2010). “There are no formal forms or paperwork to fill out. The student would just communicate directly with their admission counselor their intent to take a Gap Year. The student would just need to indicate if they planned on taking any college level coursework at another college or University during the Gap Year. They would just need to update their Financial Aid information for the term they planned on enrolling. They would be re-packaged by financial aid according to the standards of the term they actually enroll.”

Texas

St. Edward’s University, Austin. Acceptance rate: 74% (2017).
**UPDATED, 2019
“When St. Edward’s University accepts a student to the institution, she or he may defer for one year. When a student chooses to defer acceptance, St. Edward’s University will expedite or waive the student’s reapplication process. When a student chooses to defer their enrollment, they must:
• call to notify us of their choice to defer
• submit a written plan for their gap with an explanation
• get approval from a staff member or administrator
When a student defers enrollment, they can keep and defer merit and/or competitive scholarship awards. When a student defers enrollment, they can keep and defer needs-based scholarship awards. While on an approved deferral, a student may earn zero credits before their return to St. Edward’s University. When an applicant defers their enrollment, the institution holds the student’s spot if they have paid a deposit. The deposit for St. Edward’s University gap year students is $150. When students apply to St. Edward’s University having taken a gap year between high school and college, this counts favorably for an applicant.”
Baylor University, Waco. Acceptance rate: 40% (2010). “We do not have a deferral option at Baylor. If a student applies and is accepted then decides not to attend in the term they were accepted for we will cancel their application but hold in on file for two years. If during that time they decide to apply again they will simply file a Reactivation Form on our website and that will activate their application once again for a new term. They would also need to submit a statement explaining their break in education (a short explanation of what they did in between semesters) In many cases these students are admitted again for this new starting date.”
Southwestern University, Georgetown. Acceptance rate: 65% (2010). “We are a small liberal arts university, and as such we do not have very many students pursuing a gap year before enrolling at SU. Maybe a handful every year. That being the case, we do not offer any Southwestern sponsored gap year programs. A $1,000 deposit will hold a students merit scholarship during that gap year, and financial aid is reevaluated upon their return from the gap year. Financial aid is reevaluated every year that a student is at SU. If a student does not wish to put down a $1,000 deposit, he or she may reapply after the gap year.”
Texas Christian University, Fort Worth. Acceptance rate: 37.6% (2012). “For deferrals, all that needs to be done is to submit a request in writing, then to pay the $500 Tuition Deposit. No need to re-apply for scholarships. All students everywhere in the US, though, would have to re-apply for financial aid. That’s done on an annual basis everywhere. We are VERY supportive of gap years.”
University of Dallas, Irving. Acceptance rate: 88% (2010). “Deferments are for one calendar year. The request must be in writing, from the applicant, with the date and the applicant’s signature. The written request must be received by the Office of Undergraduate Admission prior to the first day of classes of the semester of entry indicated on the applicant’s application for admission used to offer admission. All deferments include the stipulation that the deferred admission and scholarship will be invalidated if the student enrolls in potentially credit bearing courses of any other college or university during the period of deferment. The request must be accompanied or preceded by payment of the enrollment deposit. No employee of the University is authorized to make a verbal offer. Authorized deferment decisions will be rendered in writing by the Vice President of Enrollment Management. If an applicant seeking deferment had been offered any scholarships funded by the University, the Vice President’s written decision about the deferment will convey which of those scholarships will be available upon deferred matriculation. In compliance with federal and state financial aid regulations, financial aid based on the FAFSA cannot be held for the one-year period of deferment. Applicants who seek need-based financial aid and are granted deferment must resubmit the FAFSA before March 1 of the year of deferred entry in order to receive need-based aid during their first year of study. Anytime before the first class day of the deferred semester of matriculation, a student who was previously approved for deferment may seek a second year of deferment if the student provides a written request including a letter from a licensed medical doctor or psychologist stating that student is medically advised not to attend school during the semester originally granted as a matriculation semester via the deferment process. Once a deferment has been approved the enrollment deposit becomes non-refundable. After a student is granted deferment, the deferred student is not eligible to compete for additional scholarships funded by the University of Dallas.”

Utah

Utah State University, Logan. Acceptance rate: 90% (2017).
**UPDATED, 2019
“When Utah State University accepts a student to the institution, she or he may defer for more than one year. When a student chooses to defer acceptance, Utah State University will expedite or waive the student’s reapplication process. When a student chooses to defer their enrollment, they must:
• complete a deferral form
When a student defers enrollment, they can keep and defer merit and/or competitive scholarship awards. When a student defers enrollment, they can keep and defer needs-based scholarship awards. While on an approved deferral, a student may earn zero credits before their return to Utah State University. When students apply to Utah State University having taken a gap year between high school and college, this has no affect on an applicant’s admissions assessment.”
Weber State University, Ogden. Acceptance rate: 100% (2017).
**UPDATED, 2019
“When Weber State University accepts a student to the institution, she or he may defer for more than one year. When a student chooses to defer acceptance, Weber State University will expedite or waive the student’s reapplication process. When a student chooses to defer their enrollment, they must:
• complete a deferral form
When a student defers enrollment, they can keep and defer merit and/or competitive scholarship awards. When a student defers enrollment, they can keep and defer needs-based scholarship awards. While on an approved deferral, a student may earn zero credits before their return to Weber State University. When an applicant defers their enrollment, the institution holds the student’s spot. When students apply to Weber State University having taken a gap year between high school and college, this has no affect on an applicant’s admissions assessment. You can learn more about the policies at Weber State University by visiting https://weber.edu/returntoweber.”
Southern Utah University, Cedar City. Acceptance rate: 76% (2010). “Student who desire to take time off prior to attending SUU may submit a request for a “Leave of Absence”. All requests may be approved for up to five semesters and are considered based on reason and academic standing. Requests will not be approved for students who wish to attend another school prior to transferring to SUU. New high school graduates the request may be made as part of the admission application. The student applies for the term immediately following their high school graduation so that he/she can be considered for scholarships. They then indicate that they plan to enroll in the future and give the reason for the deferment. Former high school graduates (graduated one or more years before attendance), transfer students, or current SUU students may request a leave of absence by submitting a request either online or by using the paper form. Students may request a deferment of their scholarship(s), but not financial aid. If approved, scholarships will be held for up to five semesters. Students may request a deferment by submitting the Deferment/Leave of Absence form. Applications for financial aid must be submitted year via the FASFA process and are not held over from year to year. Attendance and scholarships may be deferred using one request for all students except new high school graduates. A leave of absence will be processed as part of the application process; however, scholarships must be deferred using the Deferment/Leave of Absence form.”
Westminster College, Salt Lake City. Acceptance rate: 68% (2010). “Most of the information you seek is included in the attached application [see link].”

Vermont

Green Mountain College, Poultney. Acceptance rate: 67% (2011). “The gap year process is very simple at Green Mountain College. The student needs to let their Admissions Counselor know of their intent to take a gap year (either before or after enrollment), and the acceptance will be deferred to the intended semester of entry. Students need to resubmit the FAFSA, but do not need to reapply for merit scholarships. Any need-based/need-aware scholarships may be affected if the student’s financial situation changes, but scholarships would not be lost altogether.”
Middlebury College, Middlebury. Acceptance rate: 17% (2010). “Middlebury has long been at the forefront in endorsing the concept of taking time off between high school and college through our February admissions program. The students who enroll here in February typically bring more to their college experience and, as a result, derive more from it. They also hold a disproportionately high number of leadership positions on campus and, on average, perform better academically. Every year some students who are admitted for September choose to defer their enrollment for an entire year and step off the academic treadmill. Many benefit greatly from the opportunity to travel, work, or pursue other interests, and all of those options can help contribute to an even more enriching college experience, much as happens for our ‘Febs.’ Students admitted for the September class (we also have a class that enters in February, and they have a built in gap-semester) need to deposit at Middlebury, and then need to submit a proposal to our office requesting a gap year. The gap year plans should be communicated in writing to our office by no later than June 1st. Students can submit gap year proposals to deanofadmissions@middlebury.edu. We do not have scholarships. All financial aid is need-based. Students will most likely need to reapply for financial aid at Middlebury, but unless there are significant changes to the financial circumstances, most often the aid award will be similar to the original aid award.”
Sterling College allows applicants to defer admission for up to two semesters, or one academic year without re-submitting a new application, or paying an additional application fee. The deferral of admission requires a completed application, a letter of admission, a completed student enrollment form, and a $500 deposit to be applied to the deferred semester. Upon receiving an enrollment deferral Sterling will hold the applicant’s place for the requested deferred semester and intended major of their choice and honor the financial aid package for the intended semester. Applicants seeking federal financial aid will need to complete a FAFSA for the academic year of their deferral. Note: Federally awarded grants, scholarships, or loan amounts may change with the update of the FAFSA. Sterling will honor Sterling-funded grants, scholarships, and awards.

Applicants seeking deferment beyond two semesters will need to have their request approved by the Dean of Admission. Applicants may be asked to submit additional documentation along with their requests such as an updated letter of intent or transcripts.

Sterling does reserve the right to revoke admission at any time due to internal or external factors. Revoked admission will be submitted by the Dean of Admission in writing.

Virginia

James Madison University, Harrisonburg. Acceptance rate: 72% (2017).
**UPDATED, 2019
“When James Madison University accepts a student to the institution, she or he may defer for one year. When a student chooses to defer acceptance, James Madison University will expedite or waive the student’s reapplication process. When a student chooses to defer their enrollment, they must:
• submit a written plan for their gap with an explanation
• get approval from a staff member or administrator
While on an approved deferral, a student may earn 6-12 credits before their return to James Madison University. When an applicant defers their enrollment, the institution holds the student’s spot if they have paid a deposit. The deposit for James Madison University gap year students is $250. When students apply to James Madison University having taken a gap year between high school and college, this has no affect on an applicant’s admissions assessment.”
College of William and Mary, Williamsburg. Acceptance rate: 34% (2017).
**UPDATED, 2019
“When The College of William & Mary accepts a student to the institution, she or he may defer for one year. When a student chooses to defer acceptance, The College of William & Mary will expedite or waive the student’s reapplication process. When a student chooses to defer their enrollment, they must:
• complete a deferral form
• submit a written plan for their gap with an explanation
• get approval from a staff member or administrator
When a student defers enrollment, they can keep and defer merit and/or competitive scholarship awards. When a student defers enrollment, they can keep and defer needs-based scholarship awards. While on an approved deferral, a student may earn 6-12 credits before their return to The College of William & Mary. When an applicant defers their enrollment, the institution holds the student’s spot if they have paid a deposit. The deposit for The College of William & Mary gap year students is same as other depositing students. When students apply to The College of William & Mary having taken a gap year between high school and college, this has no affect on an applicant’s admissions assessment. You can learn more about the policies at The College of William & Mary by visiting https://www.wm.edu/admission/undergraduateadmission/how-to-apply/freshmanapplicants/gap-years/index.php”
Emory and Henry College, Emory. Acceptance rate: 71% (2010). “Written notification [is all that’s required]. Yes, they [students] do need to reapply for financial aid. Scholarships will be the same and students will not have to reapply.”
University of Mary Washington, Fredericksburg. Acceptance rate: 76% (2010). “The following Leave of Absence policies are for BA/BS and BLS students only. Approved Leave of Absence is required for students who wish to continue their original degree program, following original requirements (major program and all other requirements). College Obligations: Allow a student returning from a period of approved Leave of Absence to complete the degree program as originally begun if he/she re-enrolls at UMW within one semester after conclusion of two semesters of leave. The completed form … must be received prior to the first day of class. Students on the Stafford campus should fax their forms to 540-286-8005. For students who plan to take courses in another country in a fully approved program; submit Request for Study Abroad Leave of Absence form to the Director of International Academic Services. Students receiving any type of financial assistance for their attendance should clarify their status with the Office of Financial Aid before taking a Leave of Absence. Please call 540-654-2468 or visit http://adminfinance.umw.edu/financialaid/ . Transfer Credit Permission Required. Students who plan to take courses at another college or university while on Leave of Absence must obtain prior written approval from the Office of the Registrar for each course taken. No credit will be awarded for courses taken at another college or university without the approval previously specified. No credit will be awarded for courses (even if prior approval was obtained) if transcripts are received after the University of Mary Washington’s published deadlines.”
University of Richmond, Richmond. Acceptance rate: 33% (2010). “Students must send their postponement requests in writing to Gil J. Villanueva, dean of admission. Gil, in conjunction with the Admission Committee, will review the requests on a case by case basis. If approved, students have exactly one year to postpone their enrollments, provided of course that they do not enroll in post secondary coursework elsewhere. Normally, the non-refundable enrollment deposit is $600. Postponed students must pay an additional non-refundable deposit of $1,900 (total of $2,500) to secure their space in the following year’s class. If students were awarded merit-based scholarships, current policy states those monies would carry forward to the following year upon enrollment. However, postponed students would have to reapply for need-based financial since aid analysis is contingent upon an updated aid application.”
Washington and Lee University, Lexington. Acceptance rate: 18% (2010). “Students should write to the Admissions Committee to request a deferral after paying the required reservation deposit to secure a place in the first-year class. Requests should include detailed information about how the year will be spent. All requests are reviewed individually on their merits, though typically, deferrals will not be granted to students who propose a year of full time college or post-graduate secondary school study.” Needs-based awards must be re-applied for. Merit-based do not require reapplication.

Washington

Gonzaga University, Spokane. Acceptance rate: 65% (2010). “We require the student to send an email or letter to the Office of Admission requesting to defer their admission for 1 year. We then send a letter back to them confirming that they’re admission will be deferred. By February 1st of the following year, they must submit an abbreviated application and their final high school transcript. We will then send them a new acceptance packet. If they want to enroll, they must send a tuition and housing deposit to us by May 1st. Students must fill out a new FAFSA and new applications for any scholarships that require separate applications (most scholarships do not). No federal or institutional aid is deferred.”
Whitman College, Walla Walla. Contact the Admissions office for more information. This college has otherwise been known to be favorable to Gap Year students deferring.
Whitworth College, Spokane, (1 year deferral. Students submit their acceptance letter plus a letter to the Dean of Admissions stating their intent for a Gap Year. Financial Aid will transfer)
Seattle Pacific University, Seattle, (2 year deferral, submit re-activation of application; small school with big global mission so while scholarships and aid are not held, Gap experience may make other aid programs available)
Seattle University, Seattle, (no deferral but admissions indicated it was “almost certain” they would be admitted the following year. Talk to admissions counselor before going.
University of Puget Sound, Tacoma, (1 year deferral with written statement and deposit to reserve space. Admissions Counselor wants to stay in touch with students during Gap Year for support and encouragement. Financial aid is generally held.
Western Washington University, Bellingham, (1 year deferral on individual basis with written explanation of Gap project to Admissions Dept.)
Washington State University, Pullman. Acceptance rate: 84% (2010). “We do not have a gap year policy. Students will apply for admission, scholarships and financial aid the fall/spring prior to the term they plan to start. If they plan to start in the fall term, they would want to apply by the January 31st priority date. The spring term would have a November 15th priority date.”

Washington, D.C.

The Catholic University of America in Washington, DC . Acceptance rate: 80% (2017). **UPDATED 2019
“When Catholic University of America accepts a student to the institution, she or he may defer for one year. When a student chooses to defer acceptance, Catholic University of America will expedite or waive the student’s reapplication process. When a student chooses to defer their enrollment, they must:
• call to notify us of their choice to defer
• complete a deferral form
• submit a written plan for their gap with an explanation
When a student defers enrollment, they can keep and defer merit and/or competitive scholarship awards. When a student defers enrollment, they can keep and defer needs-based scholarship awards. While on an approved deferral, a student may earn up to 6 credits before their return to Catholic University of America. When an applicant defers their enrollment, the institution holds the student’s spot. No deposit is required until course enrollment after deferral. When students apply to Catholic University of America having taken a gap year between high school and college, this has no affect on an applicant’s admissions assessment. You can learn more about the policies at Catholic University of America by visiting http://policies.cua.edu/enrollment/admissionfull.cfm”

Wisconsin

Beloit University. Beloit. Acceptance rate: 70% (2017).
**UPDATED, 2019
“When Beloit College accepts a student to the institution, she or he may defer for one year. When a student chooses to defer acceptance, Beloit College will expedite or waive the student’s reapplication process. When a student chooses to defer their enrollment, they must:
• call to notify us of their choice to defer
When a student defers enrollment, they can keep and defer merit and/or competitive scholarship awards. When a student defers enrollment, they can keep and defer needs-based scholarship awards. While on an approved deferral, a student may earn zero credits before their return to Beloit College. When an applicant defers their enrollment, the institution holds the student’s spot if they have paid a deposit. The deposit for Beloit College gap year students is $350. When students apply to Beloit College having taken a gap year between high school and college, this has no affect on an applicant’s admissions assessment.”
University of Wisconsin – Stout, Menomonie. Acceptance rate: 90.8% (2014).
**UPDATED, 2018
“When University of Wisconsin-Stout accepts a student to the institution, she or he may not defer their enrollment. When students apply to University of Wisconsin-Stout having taken a gap year between high school and college, this has no affect on an applicant’s admissions assessment.”
Lawrence College, Appleton. Acceptance rate: 53% (2010). “Admitted students should submit their enrollment deposit and inform us of their intentions to defer for one year. Their place in the following incoming class as well as their scholarships will hold in place as long as the student does not pursue courses of study during the intervening year. Students that pursue any course of study for college credit will need to reapply as a transfer student. Students must re-file the FAFSA to qualify for need-based financial aid. Scholarships will be applied to the following year and will not be lost.”
University of Wisconsin – La Crosse, La Crosse. Acceptance rate: 78% (2010). “Students are not able to maintain acceptance when participating in a gap year program. The student will need to re-apply for admission for the term they wish to begin and meet the admission guidelines in place for that term. Yes, students must re-apply for financial aid and scholarships. Scholarships will be lost if a gap year is taken.”

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