What's the Process to Defer Enrollment at College?

If I want to defer my enrollment at a college I've been accepted to, what are the steps I need to take? Are there any deadlines to be aware of or specific procedures?

Deferring enrollment, also known as taking a gap year, varies by school, so the most accurate source of information would be the college's admissions office or its website.

1. Acceptance: The first step is to accept your admission offer since most schools will not consider requests from students who have not committed to attending.

2. Request to Defer: You'll need to submit a request to defer your admission. This request is typically sent to the admissions office. Some colleges have specific forms for this, while others ask you to write a letter or email.

3. Explain your Reasons: You should be ready to provide a detailed explanation of why you want to defer, as well as what you plan to do during the gap year.

4. Be Aware of Deadlines: Make sure to submit your request before the stated deadline. Deadlines vary by institution, but many are in the spring or early summer.

5. Understand the Policies: Read the college's policy for deferral thoroughly. Some schools will allow you to defer any scholarships or financial aid, while others will not, and you may need to apply again. Your place in the chosen program or major may or may not be held for you, depending on the school's policy.

6. Re-Confirm Your Plan: After your deferral request is approved, the college may ask you to re-confirm your intent to enroll at the end of your gap year.

Remember, not all colleges allow enrollment deferral, and some may limit how long you can defer. The earlier you submit your request, the better, as some colleges consider requests on a first-come, first-serve basis.