Deferring After Early Decision?

Junior here just starting the college application process. If I apply early decision to a college, is there an option to defer my enrollment if I'm accepted? I want to know if I could take a gap year or something before starting college.

While policies can vary from institution to institution, many colleges do allow students who have been admitted Early Decision (ED) to defer their enrollment for a year, often to pursue a gap year program. Keep in mind that while some schools will allow you to defer after being accepted, others may require you to indicate your desire to defer in your original application.

Still, each college's policy can differ, and there may be specifics or exceptions to consider. It would be vital to check the college's official policies or reach out to the admissions office directly to clarify their rules about deferral, as some schools may not allow it at all, while many others could require you to submit a formal request for deferral. When contacting the admissions office, it would be beneficial to discuss your reasons for deferral, so they can guide you accordingly.

Generally, requests for deferral would require a solid plan on how you'll spend your gap year—beneficial activities might include work, volunteer service, research or study, or travel that broadens your horizons and contributes to your personal development. Colleges tend to value these experiences because they can contribute to the diversity and maturity of their incoming class. However, they might not grant deferral requests for students who don't have a clear plan for their gap year.

I hope you find this guidance helpful!