Understanding Deferred Admissions (Plan Your Gap Year)

Discover the Surprising Benefits of Deferred Admissions and How to Plan Your Gap Year for Success.

Step	Action	Novel Insight	Risk Factors
1	Understand college deferral options	Many colleges offer deferred admissions, which allows students to postpone their enrollment for a year or more	Some colleges may not offer deferred admissions or may have strict policies regarding deferral
2	Determine your reason for deferring	Consider taking an academic gap year to improve your grades or explore your interests, take a career exploration break to gain work experience, or travel and volunteer to broaden your perspective	Deferring without a clear plan or reason may lead to wasted time and missed opportunities
3	Research opportunities during your gap year	Look for programs or opportunities that align with your goals, such as internships, volunteer work, or travel programs	Some programs may be expensive or require a significant time commitment
4	Understand the admissions deferment policy	Review the college’s policy on deferral, including any reapplication requirements and admission guarantee agreements	Failing to meet the requirements may result in losing your deferred admission status
5	Submit a deferral request	Follow the college’s instructions for submitting a deferral request, including providing a clear reason for deferral and any supporting documentation	Failing to provide a clear reason or documentation may result in your request being denied
6	Stay engaged during your gap year	Use your gap year to pursue your goals and stay connected with the college, such as attending events or communicating with admissions staff	Failing to stay engaged may result in losing your deferred admission status or missing out on opportunities
7	Prepare for reapplication	Understand the reapplication process and requirements, including any changes to the admissions process or requirements	Failing to prepare may result in missing deadlines or not meeting the requirements for reapplication

Contents

What are the Different College Deferral Options Available?
Can an Academic Gap Year Benefit Your Future Education and Career Goals?
Travel and Volunteer Opportunities During Your Deferred Admissions Period
Understanding Admissions Deferment Policy: What You Need to Know
Admission Guarantee Agreements: What They Mean for Gap Year Students
Common Mistakes And Misconceptions

What are the Different College Deferral Options Available?

Step	Action	Novel Insight	Risk Factors
1	Understand the different types of deferral options	There are several types of deferral options available, including rolling admissions, early decision deferral, regular decision deferral, academic deferment, medical deferment, military service deferment, and personal reasons for deferring admission	None
2	Determine the appropriate deferral option	Consider the reason for deferring admission and choose the appropriate deferral option. For example, if the student wants to explore career opportunities during a gap year, a personal reasons for deferring admission may be the best option. If the student needs to complete military service, a military service deferment may be appropriate.	None
3	Notify the college of the decision to defer	Contact the college admissions office and inform them of the decision to defer admission. This should be done as soon as possible to ensure that the college can make arrangements for the deferral.	None
4	Consider financial aid and scholarship implications	If the student has been awarded financial aid or scholarships, they should check with the college to determine if the aid will still be available during the deferral period. Some colleges may require the student to reapply for financial aid or scholarships.	Financial aid or scholarship may not be available during the deferral period
5	Consider waitlist option	If the student has been waitlisted, they may want to consider deferring admission instead of accepting a spot on the waitlist. This can give the student more time to explore other options and potentially improve their chances of admission in the future.	None
6	Consider reapplication process	If the student is deferring admission for personal reasons, they may want to consider the reapplication process. This can give the student more time to improve their application and potentially increase their chances of admission in the future.	None
7	Submit admissions deposit	Some colleges may require an admissions deposit to secure a spot for the following year. The student should check with the college to determine if this is required and when it is due.	None
8	Submit enrollment deposit	Once the student has decided to attend the college, they will need to submit an enrollment deposit. This deposit is typically non-refundable and is used to secure a spot in the incoming class.	None

Can an Academic Gap Year Benefit Your Future Education and Career Goals?

Step	Action	Novel Insight	Risk Factors
1	Consider academic enrichment programs	Participating in academic enrichment programs during a gap year can enhance academic performance upon return to school	Risk of overscheduling and burnout if too many programs are taken on
2	Explore career opportunities	Taking advantage of career exploration opportunities during a gap year can increase motivation and focus in pursuing career goals	Risk of not finding a suitable career path or becoming overwhelmed with options
3	Focus on personal growth and development	Engaging in personal growth and development activities during a gap year can improve communication and interpersonal skills	Risk of not prioritizing self-reflection and goal-setting exercises
4	Seek out cultural immersion experiences	Participating in cultural immersion experiences during a gap year can expand one’s network of contacts and professional connections	Risk of cultural misunderstandings or not fully immersing oneself in the experience
5	Engage in volunteer work or community service projects	Participating in volunteer work or community service projects during a gap year can enhance one’s resume/CV for future job applications	Risk of not finding a suitable volunteer opportunity or not being committed to the project
6	Participate in skill-building activities	Engaging in skill-building activities during a gap year can improve time management skills	Risk of not prioritizing skill-building activities or not finding suitable opportunities
7	Take advantage of travel opportunities	Traveling during a gap year can provide new perspectives and experiences	Risk of overspending or not being able to fully immerse oneself in the travel experience
8	Prioritize self-reflection and goal-setting exercises	Engaging in self-reflection and goal-setting exercises during a gap year can lead to improved personal and professional growth	Risk of not prioritizing these exercises or not following through with goals set
9	Consider the potential benefits upon return to school or work	A gap year can lead to increased motivation and focus in pursuing academic or career goals	Risk of not being able to effectively communicate the benefits of a gap year to future employers or academic institutions

Travel and Volunteer Opportunities During Your Deferred Admissions Period

Step	Action	Novel Insight	Risk Factors
1	Research travel and volunteer opportunities	Look for programs that align with your interests and goals, such as service projects, cultural immersion programs, language learning opportunities, ecotourism experiences, wildlife conservation efforts, humanitarian aid missions, community development initiatives, teaching abroad programs, internship placements, adventure travel options, sustainable tourism practices, historical and heritage site preservation projects, cultural exchange programs, and social justice advocacy campaigns	Be wary of scams or programs that may not be reputable or safe
2	Consider the location and cultural differences	Research the culture and customs of the location you will be traveling to and be respectful of them. Consider any language barriers and prepare accordingly	Be aware of any potential safety concerns or political instability in the area
3	Plan your budget	Consider the cost of the program, travel expenses, and any necessary vaccinations or visas. Look for scholarships or grants that may be available	Be prepared for unexpected expenses or emergencies
4	Prepare for the experience	Pack appropriately for the climate and activities, and make sure to have any necessary documents or medications. Research the organization or program you will be working with and their expectations	Be prepared for cultural shock or homesickness
5	Embrace the experience	Take advantage of the opportunity to learn and grow, and be open to new experiences and perspectives. Make connections with locals and fellow volunteers	Be prepared for challenges and setbacks, and be flexible in adapting to new situations

Understanding Admissions Deferment Policy: What You Need to Know

Step	Action	Novel Insight	Risk Factors
1	Understand the admissions timeline	The admissions timeline varies by institution and program, so it is important to research and understand the specific deadlines and requirements for the schools and programs you are interested in.	Missing important deadlines can result in missed opportunities for admission or deferment.
2	Consider requesting an admission offer deferral	If you have been accepted to a program but need to take a gap year or academic leave of absence, you may be able to request a deferral of your admission offer. This allows you to delay your matriculation date and secure your spot in the program for a later start date.	Not all programs offer admission offer deferrals, and there may be specific requirements or deadlines for submitting a deferral request.
3	Understand the financial aid implications	If you have been awarded financial aid, it is important to understand how a deferral may impact your aid package. Some schools may require you to reapply for financial aid, while others may adjust your award based on changes in your financial situation.	Failing to understand the financial aid implications of a deferral could result in unexpected costs or loss of funding.
4	Know the deferral request deadline	If you are considering requesting a deferral, it is important to know the deadline for submitting your request. This deadline may be different from the regular admissions deadline, so be sure to check with the school or program.	Missing the deferral request deadline could result in a loss of your admission offer or the need to reapply for admission.
5	Understand the reapplication process	If you are not granted a deferral or choose not to request one, you may need to reapply for admission in the future. It is important to understand the reapplication process, including any changes to the application requirements or timeline.	Failing to understand the reapplication process could result in missed opportunities or delays in starting your program.
6	Know your options for conditional acceptance	Some programs may offer conditional acceptance, which allows you to start the program at a later date but with certain conditions or requirements. It is important to understand the specific conditions and requirements for conditional acceptance.	Failing to meet the conditions or requirements for conditional acceptance could result in a loss of your admission offer or the need to reapply for admission.
7	Understand the transfer credit evaluation process	If you take courses during your gap year or academic leave of absence, you may be able to transfer those credits to your program. It is important to understand the transfer credit evaluation process, including any limitations or requirements for transferring credits.	Failing to understand the transfer credit evaluation process could result in a loss of credits or the need to retake courses.

Admission Guarantee Agreements: What They Mean for Gap Year Students

Step	Action	Novel Insight	Risk Factors
1	Understand the concept of admission guarantee agreements	Admission guarantee agreements are contracts between a student and a college that guarantee admission after a gap year	Students may not fully understand the terms and conditions of the agreement
2	Research colleges that offer admission guarantee agreements	Some colleges offer admission guarantee agreements for gap year students	Not all colleges offer admission guarantee agreements
3	Apply for admission guarantee agreements	Students must apply for admission guarantee agreements during the regular application process	Students may not meet the requirements for admission guarantee agreements
4	Request admission deferral	Students must request admission deferral after being accepted to the college	Colleges may not grant admission deferral requests
5	Enroll in a gap year program	Students must enroll in an academic or non-academic gap year program	Gap year programs may not be affordable for all students
6	Maintain academic progress	Students must maintain academic progress during their gap year program	Students may struggle to maintain academic progress during their gap year program
7	Reapply for financial aid and scholarships	Students must reapply for financial aid and scholarships after their gap year	Financial aid and scholarship eligibility may change after a gap year
8	Meet reapplication requirements	Students must meet the reapplication requirements set by the college	Students may not meet the reapplication requirements
9	Understand the admission decision timeline	Students must understand the admission decision timeline for their chosen college	Admission decision timelines may vary by college
10	Seek guidance from a gap year advisor or counselor	Students should seek guidance from a gap year advisor or counselor	Not all students have access to a gap year advisor or counselor

Admission guarantee agreements are a great option for students who want to take a gap year before starting college. However, it is important for students to fully understand the terms and conditions of the agreement before applying. Students should research colleges that offer admission guarantee agreements and apply during the regular application process. After being accepted, students must request admission deferral and enroll in a gap year program. It is important for students to maintain academic progress during their gap year program and reapply for financial aid and scholarships. Students must also meet the reapplication requirements set by the college and understand the admission decision timeline. Seeking guidance from a gap year advisor or counselor can also be helpful. However, not all students have access to a gap year advisor or counselor.

Common Mistakes And Misconceptions

Mistake/Misconception	Correct Viewpoint
Gap years are only for students who don’t know what they want to do with their lives.	Gap years can be beneficial for any student, regardless of whether or not they have a clear career path in mind. Taking time off can provide valuable life experiences and help clarify goals and interests.
Deferred admissions means delaying college indefinitely.	Deferred admissions typically involves taking one year off before starting college, with a specific plan in place for how that year will be spent (e.g., traveling, volunteering, working). It is not an indefinite delay of college enrollment.
Taking a gap year will hurt my chances of getting into college.	Many colleges actually encourage students to take gap years and offer deferred admission options specifically for this purpose. As long as the student has a well-thought-out plan for their gap year and communicates it effectively to the admissions office, it should not negatively impact their chances of acceptance.
A gap year is just an excuse to avoid responsibility or work.	While some may use a gap year as an opportunity to relax or travel, many students use this time to gain valuable experience through internships, volunteer work, or employment opportunities related to their future career goals.
Only wealthy students can afford to take a gap year.	There are many affordable options available for those interested in taking a gap year such as scholarships/grants offered by organizations like Americorps or Fulbright Program; working abroad programs like Workaway.info; teaching English abroad programs like Teach Abroad Network etc.