If I decide to take a gap year after high school, am I still eligible to apply to Cornell afterwards? I'm considering a break before college, but I want to ensure I won't be disqualified from applying.
Yes, Cornell University, like many universities, welcomes applications from students who have taken a gap year after high school. Taking a gap year won't disqualify you from the application process at all. If anything, the experiences and skills you gain during your gap year may provide you with valuable assets that you can highlight in your application.
Remember to clearly state why you decided to take a gap year in your application and articulate what you learned or achieved during that time. This can provide additional context for your application and demonstrate your initiative and maturity. Applying as a gap year student follows the same application process and deadlines as applying straight out of high school, but you would be applying for the following academic year.
It's also important to note that if you were admitted to Cornell and chose to take a gap year, you would need to talk with the admissions office about deferring your admission. Policies can vary and it's not guaranteed that your request will be approved.
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