How does deferring my college enrollment work?

I'm considering deferring my enrollment at Queens College for a year. What is the process like for deferring my college admission? Do I have to request this through the admissions office, and are there specific deadlines or criteria?

Deferring your college admission, also known as taking a gap year, generally involves submitting a formal request to the college's admission office. Most colleges have a process for deferral and it's best to get in touch with Queens College's Admissions Office to get specific information.

Typically, you'll need to send a formal, written request – often a letter or an email – explaining why you want to defer your enrollment. This should detail the plans for your gap year. Colleges are generally more likely to approve deferrals for reasons such as volunteering, internships, or other educational opportunities rather than only for travel or rest.

Most colleges have a deadline for when this deferral request must be submitted, usually, it's in the summer prior to the start of the fall semester but this can vary by college. Again, it's best to get this information directly from Queens College's Admissions Office.

Once the deferral is approved, some colleges may require that you secure your spot for the next year's class by paying a deposit. This, too, depends on the school's specific deferral policies.

Finally, during your gap year, keep in mind that most colleges have rules against enrolling in classes at another degree-granting institution. If you do so, you might be required to re-apply to your original university as a transfer student when you are ready to begin.

Remember to keep communication lines open with the admissions office and follow their instructions closely to ensure a smooth deferral process.