Students who take a gap year before starting college often come back stronger academically. In fact, a 2012 study found that a gap year can significantly improve college performance, especially for students who initially applied with lower grades. So, what’s next when you’re ready to head back to school? How do you apply to college after a gap year?
In this blog, you’ll find everything you need to know about navigating college applications after a gap year. We’ll explore what a gap year is, the different ways you can approach the application process, and practical tips to make your experiences stand out.
- What Is a Gap Year?
- How to Defer Your Admission
- How to Apply to College after Taking a Gap Year
- Pros and Cons of Taking a Gap Year
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Takeaways
What Is a Gap Year?
Let’s take a moment to understand what a gap year really is before diving into how to apply to college after taking one. A gap year is a semester or year of experiential learning, typically taken after high school and before starting a career or college, to build practical, professional, and personal awareness. Some students even choose to take a gap year during college.
During this time, many students travel, work, or volunteer to explore their interests and figure out what they truly want to study. Others might use it as a chance to recover from burnout and prioritize their mental health. Whatever your reason, a gap year can be a valuable experience that helps you grow and prepare for your next steps.
Your options
Taking a year off between high school and college is becoming more popular, and understanding how to apply to college after a gap year can make the process smoother. There are two main ways to approach it:
- Deferring admission
- Delaying your application
Deferring means you’ve been accepted to a college but choose to start a year later, while delaying involves applying during or after your gap year. Both options have their own advantages, so it’s all about figuring out which one works best for your goals and plans.
The way you approach a gap year can depend a lot on the college or university you’re planning to attend. Some schools only allow deferrals if you’re participating in an accredited gap year program, while others may require you to complete extra steps before or after you apply.
The Gap Year Association (GYA) provides a list of accredited programs that meet high standards for gap year education. Some of these programs include:
- Pacific Discovery. Offers semester and gap year programs that combine authentic immersion, meaningful service, and wilderness adventure in regions like New Zealand, Australia, Southeast Asia, and South America.
- Carpe Diem Education. Focuses on experiential education, community, and intercultural exchange with programs in South America, Southeast Asia, Central America, and more.
- Where There Be Dragons. Provides travel programs in Asia, Latin America, Africa, and North America,and emphasizes responsible travel and cultural engagement.
How to Defer Your Admission
If you’re thinking about applying and delaying your start date, it’s helpful to know how to apply to college after a gap year and fully understand each school’s deferral policy. Be sure to contact admissions offices to ask about their gap year policies and options.
Many schools, like Harvard and Princeton, even encourage students to defer enrollment for a year to pursue meaningful experiences like traveling, working, or diving into a special project. Brown also lets admitted students take a year off before starting, as long as they don’t enroll in another degree-granting program during that time.
Just remember, if you’re relying on scholarships or financial aid, double-check that they can be deferred, too. If they can’t, you’ll need to budget for reapplying.
If you’re considering deferring, here’s how to go about it:
1. Apply and get accepted.
First, apply to colleges as you normally would during your senior year of high school. Once accepted, decide which college you want to attend and confirm your spot by submitting any required deposits.
2. Understand deferral policies.
Colleges have different rules about deferring admission. Some are flexible, while others have specific criteria. For instance, certain schools may only allow deferrals for accredited gap year programs. It’s essential to check each college’s policy.
3. Submit a deferral request.
After securing your spot, you’ll need to formally request a deferral. This usually involves writing a letter explaining why you want to take a gap year and detailing your plans. Be clear about how this time will benefit your personal and academic growth.
4. Await approval.
Once you’ve submitted your deferral request, wait for the college’s response. Most institutions are supportive of gap years, recognizing the value of the experiences students gain during this time.
5. Plan your gap year.
With approval in hand, finalize your gap year plans. Whether you’re traveling, working, or volunteering, make sure your activities are meaningful and align with your goals—this will also help when it comes to showing you’ve learned how to apply to college after a gap year.
How to Apply to College after Taking a Gap Year
Applying to college during a gap year can add some extra steps to the process. If you’re figuring out how to apply to college after a gap year, it’s a good idea to talk with your guidance counselor before graduating about your plans to make it easier to secure recommendation letters, transcripts, and other records.
If you didn’t do this, reach out to your school as soon as possible to gather those materials. Starting early gives you plenty of time to complete everything without feeling rushed.
Your gap year experiences can also shine in two important parts of your application: the admissions essay and the interview. These are your chances to explain your goals, share your aspirations, and highlight how your gap year helped you grow.
If this feels like the right path for you, here’s how you can get started:
1. Organize your high school records.
Before you graduate, have a conversation with your guidance counselor about your plans to take a gap year. Let them know you’ll need your transcripts and recommendation letters down the line, and ask how these can be stored for easy access when you’re ready to apply to college.
Counselors can also provide advice on other documents you might need, like a school profile or class rank, which some colleges request during the application process.
If you’ve already graduated and didn’t plan ahead, don’t worry. Reach out to your high school directly—usually the counseling or records office—to request your transcripts and any other important paperwork. Be sure to give them enough notice, as retrieving these files can take time. Staying proactive ensures you’ll have everything ready to go when it’s time to apply.
2. Stay on top of deadlines.
Research application deadlines for the colleges you’re interested in, especially if you’re learning how to apply to college after a gap year, and mark them on your calendar. Applying early gives you plenty of time to complete all requirements without stress.
3. Reapply for financial aid and scholarships.
Financial aid isn’t a one-and-done deal—you’ll need to submit a new Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the year you plan to start college. This means staying on top of FAFSA deadlines and gathering any necessary financial documents, like tax returns or income information, to complete the application accurately.
If you received scholarships before your gap year, check if they allow deferrals. Some scholarships let you hold onto the award for a year, but others might require you to reapply. Contact the scholarship provider directly to confirm their policies.
If your scholarships can’t be deferred or aren’t renewable, don’t panic—use this as an opportunity to explore other funding options.
Look for new scholarships that match your interests, achievements, or gap year experiences. With a little planning and effort, you can secure the financial support you need to make your college goals a reality.
4. Incorporate your gap year in applications.
Your gap year is one of the most unique aspects of your story, so make it a highlight in your college applications. Use your personal statement to reflect on your experiences and how they’ve shaped you. What did you learn about yourself or the world during this time? How have these experiences influenced your academic and career goals?
Be specific—share meaningful moments, challenges you overcame, or new skills you gained. If you’re figuring out how to apply to college after a gap year, for example, you could highlight volunteering abroad, the cultural insights you gained, and how they’ve inspired your academic goals.
5. Maintain academic engagement.
Even during your gap year, keep your mind active. Engage in reading, online courses, or other educational activities to ensure a smooth transition back into academic life.
6. Plan ahead.
If possible, discuss your gap year intentions with your guidance counselor before graduating. They can offer valuable advice and assist with securing necessary documents for future applications.
Pros and Cons of Taking a Gap Year
Deciding how to approach your gap year and college plans is a big decision that can shape your future. Should you secure your spot at a college and defer for a year, or learn how to apply to college after a gap year? Each path has its own benefits and challenges, so understanding the practical considerations can help you make the best choice.
Here, we listed the important factors to consider when deciding between deferring your admission and applying after a gap year:
Pros of deferring
- Secure your spot in college. One of the biggest advantages of deferring is that you’ve already been accepted. You don’t have to stress about reapplying during your gap year, and you can focus entirely on making the most of your time off, knowing you have a guaranteed place waiting for you.
- Enjoy the flexibility to plan. With your college admission locked in, you can dedicate your energy to creating a meaningful gap year experience. Whether it’s traveling, volunteering, or working, you’ll have the freedom to pursue activities without worrying about juggling applications.
- Stay connected to the college. By deferring, you can stay connected with your future school and even learn tips on how to apply to college after a gap year if plans change. Many colleges offer resources like updates or virtual events to keep you engaged and make your eventual transition smoother.
Cons of deferring
- Limited financial aid options. Not all scholarships or financial aid packages allow deferrals. You might lose out on certain awards, and reapplying for aid can be tricky if policies change. This could mean additional financial stress when it’s time to start school.
- Potential for lost momentum. Taking a year off can sometimes make it harder to get back into an academic routine. If you’re not careful, you might lose motivation or find the transition back to structured learning more challenging than expected.
- Restrictions on gap year activities. Some colleges require you to follow specific guidelines for how you spend your gap year, such as participating in an accredited program. This might limit your flexibility or force you to adjust your plans to meet their requirements.
Pros of applying after a gap year
- Stronger college applications. A gap year gives you time to build a stronger, more compelling application. Experiences like volunteering, internships, or travel not only show personal growth and new skills but also help clarify how to apply to college after a gap year in a way that makes your application truly stand out.
- More time for self-discovery. Taking a gap year allows you to explore your interests and passions without the pressure of immediately transitioning to college. This time can help you figure out what you want to study, making your college choice and application more intentional.
- Additional scholarship opportunities. Many scholarships cater to nontraditional or gap year students. Your unique experiences during the year can also open doors to awards that value leadership, service, or global perspectives.
Cons of applying after a gap year
- Lack of high school support. Once you’ve graduated, it can be harder to access your school’s resources, like guidance counselors or teachers for recommendation letters. You’ll need to be proactive in organizing these materials on your own.
- Missed enrollment timelines. Applying after your gap year means staying on top of deadlines during your time away. If you’re busy with gap year activities, it can be easy to lose track and risk delaying your college start by another year.
- Uncertainty about financial aid. Financial aid packages can change from year to year, so understanding how to apply to college after a gap year is important, especially when it comes to reapplying for aid. Some awards might not be available to gap year applicants, and your financial situation or school policies could add extra challenges.
Making the choice to defer college or apply after a gap year is deeply personal and should align with your goals and situation. It’s important to carefully evaluate your options. Deciding early gives you the opportunity to plan thoroughly and stay on track.
Take into account your financial situation, the policies of the schools you’re interested in, and how you want to use your gap year to grow and prepare for the future. The right decision is the one that best supports your priorities and sets you up for success, both during your gap year and as you begin your college experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I need to apply to college before or after my gap year?
It depends on your preference and plans. Some students apply before their gap year and defer admission, while others wait to apply after completing their gap year.
2. Will my gap year hurt my chances of getting accepted?
No, a gap year can actually strengthen your application if you use the time productively. Admissions officers often value the personal growth and experiences gained during a gap year.
3. Can I still ask for recommendation letters after a gap year?
Yes, but it’s easier to secure them before you graduate. If you didn’t, reach out to your former teachers or counselors and provide them with updates about your gap year.
Takeaways
How you approach college applications after a gap year depends on your goals, priorities, and personal circumstances. There is no one-size-fits-all solution.
- You can choose to apply while in high school and then decide to defer once you’re accepted. You can also apply for college admissions right after your gap year.
- Colleges have varying rules about deferring admission. Some may only allow deferrals for specific accredited programs, while others might require detailed plans about how you’ll use your gap year.
- Top schools like Harvard and Princeton encourage applicants to take a gap year. Schools have different gap year policies so it’s important that you research about them.
- Before leaving high school, secure important documents like transcripts, recommendation letters, and school profiles.
- If you’re considering a gap year and want to get ahead in preparing for college admissions, partnering with a college admissions expert can give you an advantage.