Can I join college after a year long gap?

I might take a year off after high school before starting college. Would universities look at this negatively, or is it a common thing to do that won't hurt my chances of getting accepted?

Taking a gap year before college can certainly be a viable path, and many colleges and universities are supportive of students who choose to do this. In fact, some colleges even encourage gap years as they believe students who take them come back more focused and mature. There's commonly a process in place where you can defer enrollment for a year after being accepted.

It's important to note, however, how you spend your gap year can matter. Admissions boards will likely want to see that you've used this time productively. This could mean traveling, volunteering, interning, working, studying, or engaging in a project or activity relevant to your intended major or interests. Whatever you choose to do, it should ideally demonstrate personal growth, initiative, and a genuine commitment to learning.

If you're currently a high school student and are considering a gap year, it can be helpful to apply to colleges during your senior year as usual, and then once admitted, ask for a deferral for a year. This is typically a more straightforward process than applying after you've already taken your gap year.

Finally, remember to clearly articulate why you're choosing to take a gap year and what you intend to do during this time in your application (usually in the additional information section), or during your deferral request. Your college wants to see that you have a purposeful plan for this period.

Remember, your gap year experience can become a unique part of your college application and an interesting talking point during college interviews or essays. So, to answer your question, yes, you can join college after a gap year, and it need not hurt your chances of getting accepted as long as you approach it thoughtfully.