What's Cornell University's policy on deferring enrollment?

I'd like to know more about the process of deferring enrollment at Cornell University. Does anyone have experience with this or know the deadlines and how it affects financial aid?

Yes, Cornell University does allow admitted students to request a gap year, or deferment of enrollment. This is typically for one year, although in exceptional circumstances, it can be extended to two years.

Here’s a broad overview of Cornell's process:

1. Offers of financial aid do not automatically carry over when you defer. You will need to reapply for financial aid for the year you plan to enter.

2. After you are admitted, you must first accept your offer of admission, and pay your enrollment deposit.

3. After that, you can write a letter to the undergraduate admissions office of the college to which you were admitted, detailing the reasons for the deferment request. The letter should include the activities you plan to engage in during your gap year.

4. The letter should typically be submitted before May 1 for regular decision students, although it would be prudent to send it as early as possible once you've made the decision to defer.

Remember, a gap year request is not automatically granted. The decision to approve a deferral is made by the admissions office of the individual college to which you were admitted, and each college within Cornell may have different policies. Once you submit your request, they will review it and let you know whether your deferral has been approved.