How does enrolled student deferment work for gap years?

If I get accepted into a college but decide to take a gap year, how does deferment work? Will I have to reapply or is my spot automatically saved, and are there conditions I need to fulfill during my gap year?

Enrolled student deferment, also known as taking a gap year, usually involves a straightforward process. Once you've been accepted to a college, you can usually request to defer your admission for a year. However, the specific process can vary from one institution to another.

In most cases, you need to submit a written request to the admissions office explaining your reasons for wanting to defer. You may also need to outline your plans for your gap year to show that it will be used constructively. This isn't because the college wants to control your activities, but because they want to ensure that the time away will foster personal growth, maturity, or specific experience in line with the college's values.

Once your deferment request is accepted, your place at the college is typically reserved for you. You won't have to go through the application process all over again.

However, note that not all colleges allow deferment, and those that do, may limit it to one year. Some colleges may also have restrictions on what you can do during your gap year. For instance, some may not allow you to enroll in degree-seeking coursework at another institution during your gap year.

Financial aid and scholarships may be another consideration. Acceptance of financial aid or scholarships often may not carry over, meaning you'll have to reapply for those when you enroll.

Remember to consult with your school's admission office or review their deferment policy to understand their specific procedures and conditions. Don't hesitate to clarify any queries you have about their rules on deferment. Also, it's usually recommended to have a backup plan in case your request for deferment isn't granted.