Can You Start University After a Gap Year?

After taking a gap year, I'm planning to go back to university. Do colleges view gap years positively or could it harm my chances of getting in?

Absolutely, many students choose to take a gap year before starting university. In fact, some colleges even encourage students to do so, as it can lead to personal growth, increased maturity, and improved focus.

A well-planned gap year, where you engage with purposeful and meaningful activities, can have numerous benefits. You might choose to travel, work, intern, volunteer, pursue a special project, or learn new skills. These experiences can provide real-world context that deepens your academic interests and may even inform your future study or career choices.

However, in the admissions process, colleges will care about how you spent your gap year. Rather than seeing it negatively, they'll be interested in how the year out has contributed to your personal and academic development. Demonstrating the acquisition of new skills, knowledge, or experiences, or contributing to the community during your gap year can be seen as a positive by universities.

When you apply, be sure to provide a clear and well-thought-out explanation of why you took a gap year and what you achieved during this time. This can be addressed in your application essay or in the additional information section of your application.

That being said, always check each intended university’s policy. Some universities will require you to apply before you take your gap year, and then defer your entrance, while others will want you to apply during your gap year.

Also note, some college may have specific requirements or considerations for students taking a gap year, so it would be good to get clarification from the university admissions offices directly. It's key to plan ahead and communicate openly with your prospective universities.