5 Strategies for Applying to College After a Gap Year

Taking a gap year before starting college won’t be a problem as long as you approach it with a plan...

Many students choose to take a year off between high school and college, and this trend has grown even more in recent years, especially due to the global pandemic. College admissions officers understand that students have valid reasons for taking a gap year, and generally won’t hold it against you. However, applying to college after a gap year does involve some extra thought and organization. With the right plan in place, you can use your gap year to recharge and gain valuable life experience, making your college start smoother. Here are five tips to make the most of your gap year.

1. PLAN AHEAD

While sometimes a gap year can be taken unexpectedly, most students will have at least considered this option while applying to colleges. If a gap year is on your radar, incorporate it into your college application process. Contact the admissions departments of the schools you’re applying to and inquire about gap year deferrals. Many schools allow you to defer your enrollment by a year, meaning you can secure your spot and start college after your gap year ends. Some scholarships might also be deferred, though others may require you to reapply. Either way, gathering all the information ahead of time will help ensure your gap year and your eventual freshman year both go smoothly.

2. APPLY AS IF YOU’RE NOT TAKING A GAP YEAR

Even if you’re absolutely sure you’ll be taking a gap year, it’s still smart to go through the college application process while you’re still in high school. This ties back to the previous point—applying now, then deferring, allows you to fully enjoy your gap year without worrying about college applications. Plus, when you’re in high school, you’re surrounded by resources that make applying easier—teachers for recommendations, guidance counselors for advice, and access to test prep materials for college entrance exams. If you put off applying until your gap year, you’ll have to navigate the application process without these resources, which can add unnecessary stress, especially if you’re abroad or busy with gap year activities. Make sure to store important documents in a place where they’ll be easily accessible when your gap year ends.

3. HAVE A PURPOSE—ANY PURPOSE

There are countless reasons why students take a gap year. Some do it out of necessity, whether it’s to care for a loved one, save money for school, or wait out a global crisis like the pandemic. Others take gap years for unique opportunities, like travel or internships that offer valuable career experience. You might even choose to take a gap year because you’re not sure about your future direction and want to take time to explore your options. It’s perfectly fine to take a gap year to rest and recharge before diving into college life. Whatever your reason, take the time to think it through and use your gap year wisely. You don’t need to tackle something grand like writing a book or traveling across continents, but aim to finish the year with greater clarity, experience, and a better understanding of your goals.

4. USE THE TIME TO STRENGTHEN YOUR APPLICATION

Many students find themselves in a situation where they are accepted into a safety school but not their dream school. Taking a gap year can be an opportunity to improve your college application for another shot at your preferred school. You can retake the SAT or ACT to boost your scores, or use your experiences during the gap year to enhance your personal essays and show how you've grown. Work or travel experiences related to your intended major can also make you stand out as an applicant. By making the most of your gap year, you may be able to turn those rejections into acceptances.

5. STAY CALM AND FOCUSED

Applying to college after a gap year may come with some challenges, but nothing insurmountable. You’ll need to reapply for federal financial aid, though in most cases, if your family’s financial situation hasn’t changed significantly, your aid package should be similar. Certain scholarships may require you to reapply as well. However, admissions officers generally don’t view a gap year negatively—especially if it’s well-planned and thoughtfully executed. Rest assured, you won’t miss out on the full college experience. You’ll still get to enjoy freshman dorms, campus life, and all the activities that make college exciting, with the added benefit of having an extra year of maturity and life experience under your belt.

A gap year isn’t for everyone, but for students who are led in that direction or decide to embrace the flexibility and opportunities it provides, applying to college afterward won’t pose significant challenges. As long as you plan wisely and stay organized, a gap year can be an enriching experience that ultimately enhances your college journey.

If you need guidance on crafting a college application strategy, whether you’re considering a gap year or jumping straight into college, Admit AI provides automatic feedback to help write essays that will get you accepted.