Can you take a second gap year?

If someone has already taken a gap year and wishes to extend it for different reasons, is it possible to request another deferment from a college? How does it usually work, and what factors should be considered?

Yes, it's usually possible to extend a gap year or request a second deferment from a college, but the specifics of how this works can vary greatly from one school to another. Some institutions are generally open to granting students additional gap year time, while others may limit the number of deferments a student can request.

When considering an extended gap year, first, you must reach out to your school’s admissions office to inquire about their specific policies regarding taking an additional year off. The more details you can provide about your reasons for needing another year, the better.

The college will be likely to take into account your reason for wanting to take another gap year. If it's for personal, health, or unique opportunities like internships or travel, colleges might be more understanding.

Remember, taking an extra gap year could also affect things like housing, your financial aid package, and potentially even your admission, so it's vital to check how an additional gap year would impact these aspects of your college experience as well.

Lastly, be prepared to reconfirm your intent to enroll at the college after your second gap year, and be diligent about communicating any changes in your plans to the college in a timely manner.