The term “gap year” refers to a year between high school and college where students elect to spend a year volunteering (nationally or internationally), working or traveling. Taking a gap year has long been a tradition in Europe and is gaining popularity in the United States. Students apply to college during their senior year, gain acceptance and make an enrollment deposit to the school of their choice in May of the senior year. A formal request to defer admission for a gap year is made by the student to the admissions office with details about the plan for the student’s time away. Most colleges are open to deferment, particularly when the plan for the interim year is well thought out. After the gap year, students enroll in the college to which they were admitted during their senior year. GFS College Counseling supports with an interest in a gap year for personal growth; we do not support a gap year intended to strengthen a student’s resume in an attempt to submit another round of admissions applications at the end of the gap year.

While a gap year is not for everyone, this section provides resources for education and exploration. Please feel free to discuss the possibility of a gap year with our college counselors.

Gap Year Resources and Descriptions compiled by Middlebury College.