I'm considering taking a gap year after I graduate high school. Should I apply to colleges now and then defer, or wait to apply until after my gap year? What do most people do?
Both approaches have their advantages, but each comes with different considerations.
If you choose to apply and then defer, you effectively secure your spot in a college before taking your gap year, and it could provide some peace of mind during your gap year because you know exactly what you'll be doing afterwards. However, not all colleges accept deferrals, and some have specific policies or requirements to maintain your admission during gap years. It's essential to research each college's deferral policy before making a decision.
On the other hand, applying after your gap year may give you a more mature perspective on what you want from your college experience. You might also have gained additional experiences during your gap year that could strengthen your application and help you stand out. However, it's important to keep in mind that you'll be a year out of academic mode while working on applications, which may be a challenging adjustment.
Most students tend to apply before their gap year, but ultimately the decision depends on your personal circumstances and the specific policies of the colleges you're interested in.
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