Do gap year students have specific guidelines to follow?

I'm considering taking a gap year before starting college and I'm curious if there are any official guidelines or rules I should be aware of as a gap year student. If so, how strict are they and who oversees them?

Gap years don't necessarily have universal "rules" or "guidelines," because it's largely about what each individual student wants to achieve with their year. However, if you've already been accepted to a college and hope to defer your entry by a year, you’ll need to abide by the policies set by that particular institution. It’s common for colleges to ask that you not enroll as a full-time student at another degree-granting program during your gap year. Some might also ask you to outline your plans for that year.

If you are considering a gap year, I'd suggest reaching out to your would-be college's admissions office to find out about their deferral policy. Some schools might be more flexible than others, and many appreciate the maturity and global perspective that gap year students tend to bring. You might have to write up a proposal for what you plan to do during your gap year, and while it's important, remember that it is not binding i.e. you can change your plans after approval.

If you are working with a gap year program, they’ll also have rules and expectations for you to follow. These might include adhering to a specific schedule or completing certain tasks. Consider these program rules along with your college's deferral policies when crafting your gap year plan.

Remember, the purpose of a gap year is to broaden your perspectives, develop maturity, and provide you with experiences that’ll enrich your college experience. What you do during your gap year should reflect these objectives. Whether that means traveling, volunteering, working, or something else entirely is entirely up to you.