Top 10 Colleges That Allow Gap Years

You’re wrapping up high school, and everyone’s buzzing about college applications, majors, and dorm life. But what if jumping straight in isn’t the only option? Many colleges that allow gap years recognize the value of taking time before college, and it might just be the smartest move you make.

In this blog, we’ll break down what a gap year really is, why it could be right for you, and which top schools support it. Plus, we’ll share tips to plan your gap year, inspiring ideas to make it count, and real examples of schools that fully support the pause.

• Top Colleges That Support Taking a Gap Year
• How to Take a Gap Year 
• What to Do During a Gap Year
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

Top Colleges That Support Taking a Gap Year

A gap year is time off from school, usually a full year, where you step away from formal education to focus on other things. Taking a gap year between high school and college is common, but it’s not just for students in that transition. You might use that time to travel, volunteer, work, or explore who you are and what you want out of life.

Many top colleges not only support the idea of a gap year but actively encourage it. Below are 10 highly regarded schools that make it easy to hit pause before starting college:

1. Stanford University

Acceptance rate: 3.9%

Policy: Stanford encourages one-year deferrals for students pursuing travel, service, work, or personal growth. While most deferrals are for one year, two-year deferrals may be granted for national military service or religious missions. Students may not enroll in another degree-granting program during the deferral.

Process: After admission, you can request a deferral by completing the Admission Response form in your Stanford Portal. If you’ve already submitted the form and later decide to take a gap year, you can email [email protected] for next steps.

Stanford asks for a clear and thoughtful plan outlining how you intend to spend your time away. Once submitted, your request is reviewed, and you’ll typically receive a decision within 5–7 business days.

2. MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology)

Acceptance rate: 4.5%

Policy: MIT permits students to defer enrollment for one or two years. The deferral is often encouraged for activities like work, travel, military, or religious service, but not for attending another college or university.

Process: After accepting your offer to enroll, you must submit a formal request for deferment to the Dean of Admissions. MIT usually grants these requests, and they’re often encouraged!

The deferral request should describe your plans during the gap year. MIT does not allow students to enroll in courses at another college during the deferral period. Once your request is submitted, it will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

3. Princeton University

Acceptance rate: 4.6%

Policy: Princeton strongly encourages gap years and even offers the Novogratz Bridge Year Program, a fully funded, service-based international program for incoming students. The Bridge Year allows students to spend a year abroad in a community-engaged learning experience, living with homestay families and studying local languages while working with community partners.

Process: All incoming first-year students can apply for the Novogratz Bridge Year Program. This nine-month, tuition-free program takes place in one of six international locations.

If you’re not selected for the Bridge Year, you can still request a one-year deferral by submitting a formal request through your applicant portal. Princeton values students with clear, intentional plans for their gap year, whether focused on travel, service, or personal development.

4. Harvard University

Acceptance rate: 3.6%

Policy: Harvard highly supports gap years and often encourages admitted students to take one. Harvard doesn’t allow deferrals for attending another college, but they consider two-year deferrals for military or religious service.

Process: After accepting your offer, you must submit a written deferral request by the end of June, outlining your gap year plans. Harvard is generally very flexible and approves most requests, especially for activities like travel, service, or creative pursuits.

If you’ve already replied as enrolling but later change your mind, you can submit a Request to Defer form by the end of June.

5. Duke University

Acceptance rate: 5.1%

Policy: Duke supports independent deferrals and participation in the Duke Gap Year Program (DGYP), which offers funding and guidance for your gap year plans. Students applying for the DGYP receive financial support and mentorship to help them design meaningful gap year experiences.

Process: After accepting your admission offer, you can access the DGYP application through the Duke Admissions portal. In this application, you’ll describe your gap year plans, explain why they are important to you, and, if seeking funding, provide a budget outline.

You do not need to have all details confirmed at the time of application. The deadline for the DGYP application is May 30, 2025. 

6. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC)

Acceptance rate: 19%

Policy: UNC allows students to request a one-year deferral to pursue meaningful personal experiences such as volunteering, traveling, or working. Accepted students can submit a written deferral request outlining their gap year goals.

For those interested in public service and global citizenship, UNC offers the Global Gap Year Fellowship, which provides funding and support for a year abroad focused on community engagement.

Process: To apply for the Global Gap Year Fellowship, students must first apply to UNC by the Early Action deadline and select the fellowship option in the MyCarolina Portal. After acceptance, finalists are selected for a Finalist Weekend to participate in workshops and interviews.

Those chosen for the fellowship will spend the summer preparing for their year abroad. The application deadline for the fellowship is October 15 for Early Action admission, with notification in late January and final selections in April.

7. Brown University

Acceptance rate: 5.2%

Policy: Brown encourages students to take a gap year to pursue personal, educational, or service-based plans. Brown supports thoughtful deferral proposals contributing to the student’s growth and long-term goals.

Process: After accepting Brown’s offer of admission, you may request a deferral in writing by emailing [email protected]. All requests for deferrals should be submitted by May 15, and students admitted from the waiting list are not eligible for deferrals. Deferral requests should include a general outline of the gap year plans and the reasons behind them.

8. Middlebury College

Acceptance rate: 10%

Policy: Middlebury strongly supports students who wish to take a gap year to travel, work, or pursue other enriching experiences before beginning their college journey. The college requires students to outline how they plan to spend their gap year, but students are not permitted to enroll in degree-granting programs at other institutions during their time off.

Process: After accepting your offer, you must inform Middlebury of your intention to defer by June 1. Financial aid forms must be resubmitted, though your package will likely remain the same unless your family’s financial situation changes significantly.

9. George Washington University

Acceptance rate: 44%

Policy: GW allows admitted first-year and transfer students to defer enrollment for up to one year, or longer if fulfilling mandatory military service. Students must not enroll at another institution during the deferral period, or they will lose deferred status and forfeit their enrollment deposit.

Merit scholarships and admission to special programs may be retained, though need-based financial aid must be reapplied for.

Process: To request a deferral, pay the $800 enrollment deposit, and complete the deferral form via your admissions portal under “Manage Application Details.” The preferred deadline is August 1 for fall admission and January 1 for spring, though requests are accepted until the first day of classes. Credits earned during the deferral period will not be eligible for transfer.

10. Tufts University

Acceptance rate: 11.5%

Policy: Tufts supports gap years for newly enrolled first-year students. Students must submit a detailed plan explaining how they intend to use their gap year, and each request is reviewed individually.

Deferrals are not granted to students admitted from the waitlist, transfer students, or those planning to take credit-bearing coursework or apply to other institutions.

Process: After submitting your enrollment form and deposit, complete the Gap Year Request form in your applicant portal by June 1. Include a comprehensive outline of your gap year plans; decisions will be shared by June 15.

If approved, you’ll reconfirm enrollment the following February and may not begin at Tufts until the Fall Semester.

How to Take a Gap Year

A gap year isn’t about sitting around doing nothing. It’s about stepping out of the classroom and doing something meaningful with your time. If you’re considering taking one, here’s how to make it happen correctly.

1. Get accepted first, then defer.

First, just like everyone else, you’ll want to apply to colleges during senior year. Once you get that acceptance letter, you can ask the school if you can defer your spot for a year. Most colleges will want a simple outline of what you plan to do so they know you’re not just taking a year off without a purpose.

2. Make a plan.

Even if you’re not totally sure what you’ll do, try to come up with a rough idea. It could be travel, volunteering, working, or joining a gap year program. Many schools ask for this plan when you apply to defer, which helps you think ahead.

3. Stay in touch.

If your college gives you the green light to defer, don’t forget to check in with them during your gap year. They might want a quick update or a reminder that you still plan to show up next fall. Keeping that communication going makes everything smoother when it’s time to enroll.

What to Do During a Gap Year

Figuring out what to do during your gap year? This is your chance to explore, grow, and maybe even stumble onto something you love. Whatever you pick, just make it meaningful for you.

1. Travel the world.

You could go backpacking through Europe, volunteer in South America, or join a cultural exchange program in Asia. Just make sure it’s something safe, educational, and eye-opening. It’s an awesome way to step outside your comfort zone and see life from a new perspective.

2. Volunteer.

You can help with many programs, like:

• teaching kids with Global Vision International (GVI)
• protecting wildlife through WWOOF (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms)
• building homes with Habitat for Humanity’s Global Village

It feels good to give back and shows colleges you care about more than just yourself. Plus, it might inspire a new path you hadn’t even considered.

3. Work or intern.

Getting a job or internship is a great way to build real-world skills, earn some cash, and test out career paths. You might even discover a passion that shapes your future major or career. Here are a few standout opportunities to explore:

• AmeriCorps. Serve communities across the U.S. while gaining valuable experience. Many programs offer stipends and education awards.
• Disney Internships & Programs. Work behind the scenes at one of the world’s most recognized companies through internships or Disney’s College Program.
• The Smithsonian Internship Program. Contribute to research, museums, and public education at one of the most iconic cultural institutions.

Each of these opportunities help you grow, learn, and get a real sense of your future.

4. Take classes or learn new skills.

Just because you’re not in school doesn’t mean the learning has to stop. A gap year is the perfect time to pick up new skills that can give you a head start in college or your career. Here are 10 in-demand skills that are totally worth exploring:

• Coding and web development. Platforms like freeCodeCamp and Codecademy offer beginner-friendly courses.
• Graphic design. Learn tools like Adobe Photoshop or Canva and unleash your creativity.
• Foreign language. Apps like Duolingo or Babbel can help you get fluent fast.
• Public speaking. Boost your confidence and communication with resources from Toastmasters.
• Digital marketing. Understand SEO, social media, and email marketing through Google Digital Garage.
• Photography. Master the basics or dive into editing with Skillshare.
• Entrepreneurship. Explore how to start a business through courses on Coursera or Udemy.
• Financial literacy. Learn how to budget, invest, and save through sites like Khan Academy.
• Video editing. Try your hand at creating content using tools like Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut.
• Critical thinking and problem solving. Practice logic puzzles, take philosophy courses, or play strategy games to sharpen your mind.

Learning these can help you stand out when you eventually head to college, or even shape your future goals.

5. Start a passion project.

A gap year gives you the time and space to explore something that genuinely excites you. Whether creative, entrepreneurial, or community-driven, this is your chance to build something meaningful from scratch. Here are 10 passion project ideas to consider:

• Launch a podcast. Share your voice and ideas on topics that matter to you. Use platforms like Anchor to get started.
• Write a book or blog. Document your experiences, share your opinions, or build a niche blog using Medium or WordPress.
• Create a YouTube channel. Teach, entertain, or inspire through video. All you need is a camera and an idea.
• Start a nonprofit or fundraiser. Use GoFundMe or Donorbox to support a cause you care about.
• Build an app or website. Use your tech skills to create something useful or fun. Glitch is a great place to experiment.
• Organize a local event. Host a free art class, open mic, or community cleanup. Small actions can have big impacts.
• Design and sell a product. Whether you make handmade crafts or digital art, you can monetize your creativity using Etsy or Redbubble.
• Start a social media campaign. Advocate for a cause through engaging content on platforms like Instagram or TikTok.
• Film a short documentary. Tell a story that matters to your community or a niche you care about. Use Canva Video Editor or CapCut.
• Build a community newsletter. Curate interesting reads, local news, or interviews, and send them out using tools like Substack.

No matter your choice, a passion project is a chance to explore your interests, make an impact, and create something uniquely yours.

6. Sign up for gap year programs.

If you want structure, adventure, or mentorship during your break, joining a formal gap year program could be the way to go. These programs offer immersive experiences in travel, service, leadership, or academics, and many are designed specifically for recent high school grads.

Here are some top-rated programs to explore:

• Tico Lingo. Language immersion and cultural exchange in Costa Rica.
• High Mountain Institute. Wilderness and leadership programs in Colorado.
• Art History Abroad. Explore Europe through art, history, and culture.
• Where There Be Dragons. Experiential travel in Asia, Latin America, and Africa.
• Irish Gap Year. Adventure and creativity program in Ireland.
• CityGAP at The Living City Project. Urban immersion and learning in NYC.
• Gapforce Trekforce Expedition Leader Training. Outdoor leadership training.
• Sea|Mester Study Abroad at Sea. Academic voyages aboard a sailing vessel.
• Raleigh International. Sustainability and youth-led development expeditions.
• Ascent Gap Year – Grace Adventures. Faith-based leadership and outdoor training.
• AMIGOS Gap Programs. Latin American service and cultural exchange.

To learn more about these programs, check out our blog about the best gap year programs. It’s packed with ideas to match every interest from adventure seekers to future changemakers.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a gap year?

A gap year is a break you take after high school and before college to step back from school and focus on yourself. It’s a chance to travel, work, volunteer, or just take time to figure things out. A lot of students use it to grow, try new things, and head into college feeling more ready and clear about what they want.

2. How do I know if a gap year suits me?

A gap year can be a great option if you feel burnt out from school or just need time to figure things out. It’s your chance to reset, gain real-world experience, and grow outside the classroom. If you want to travel, volunteer, or work before diving into college, a gap year could allow you to make more informed decisions about your future.

3. Can I take a gap year and still go to college?

Definitely! Many top colleges, like Stanford, MIT, and Harvard, actually encourage taking a gap year. After you get accepted, you can request to defer your admission for a year and use that time for personal growth, travel, or work experience.

4. How do I request a gap year deferral from my college?

To take a gap year, you’ll first need to apply and get accepted to the college of your choice. Once accepted, you can request a deferral by submitting a plan for how you intend to spend your gap year. Colleges typically want to know that you have a purpose during your time off, whether traveling, volunteering, or gaining work experience. They generally support students with a thoughtful and meaningful plan.

Takeaways

• A gap year is your chance to take a break before college to travel, work, volunteer, or figure out what you really want out of life.
• Top colleges like Stanford, MIT, and Harvard actually support gap years, so if you plan it right, it could make you stand out.
• Colleges want to know what you’ll do with your gap year, even if you’re still figuring things out.
• A gap year isn’t about wasting time; it’s about gaining experience and returning to school more focused and ready to dive in.
• Thinking about taking a gap year but unsure if it will help your college application? A college admissions expert can guide you on how to make the most of that year, whether it’s through travel, work, or volunteering, to strengthen your overall application.