Should I defer or risk a denial from University of Oregon?

I've been accepted to University of Oregon, but I'm thinking about taking a gap year. Does deferring admission affect anything if I decide not to attend later? How does their deferral process work?

Deferring admission is a pretty common practice and most colleges, including the University of Oregon, have policies in place to accommodate this. For UO, the procedure is simple. To defer, you would need to notify their admissions office in writing before May 1st that you plan to take a gap year. You'll also have to provide a non-refundable enrollment deposit at the time of your deferment.

In terms of what happens if you decide not to attend later, the University of Oregon's policy states that if you choose not to enroll after your deferral year, you would need to reapply as a new student and meet the admission requirements for that year.

Remember to make sure you understand the deferral policy completely. Some schools might require you to commit to not attending any other universities during your gap year, while others might allow it. It's also worth noting that financial aid and scholarships may not automatically defer with your admission, so you would need to check separately with the financial aid office about this.

As for the question of whether you should defer or not, that's something only you can decide. It's crucial to consider your situation and evaluate why you may want to take a gap year. Is it to gain work experience, travel, focus on a personal project, or something else? Aim for something meaningful that will contribute to your personal or professional growth.

In short, deferring generally would not affect your admission negatively if you decide not to attend later. But deciding on whether to go directly to college or take a gap year is a personal decision that requires some thought.