{"id":2591,"date":"2020-08-17T18:59:58","date_gmt":"2020-08-17T18:59:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/abound.college\/mba\/?post_type=advice&p=2591"},"modified":"2020-10-19T15:44:54","modified_gmt":"2020-10-19T15:44:54","slug":"will-taking-a-gap-year-hurt-my-college-admission-chances-after-covid-19","status":"publish","type":"advice","link":"https:\/\/abound.college\/mba\/advice\/will-taking-a-gap-year-hurt-my-college-admission-chances-after-covid-19\/","title":{"rendered":"Will Taking A Gap Year Hurt My College Admission Chances After COVID-19?"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you\u2019re a recent or soon-to-be graduate of high school, you may have heard the term \u201cgap year\u201d used more and more often these days. A gap year is essentially a break, usually a year long, taken in between high school and college by students in order to rejuvenate and better prepare for their future plans. While gap years have become an <\/span>increasingly popular trend<\/span><\/a> in the last few decades, the coronavirus pandemic has made it more common for a <\/span>large percentage of students who previously had no intentions in delaying<\/span><\/a> their college education.<\/span><\/p>\n

You may be asking yourself whether taking a gap year is the best option for you. Moreover, the effect of a gap year on students\u2019 chances during admissions when they do return to college remains largely unknown under the current circumstances. If you\u2019re considering this option, here are some questions to ask yourself as you decide:<\/span><\/p>\n

How should I approach the gap year?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

There are two main ways to approach the gap year: deferring admission and delaying application. The former option simply means that you have been accepted to the school of your choice, but you are deferring attendance for a year. The latter approach means that you are delaying the application process for the year after you graduate high school. The approach you depends on you and your school of choice.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The most important factor in deciding is whether or not your school will allow you to take one. Although your university may allow gap years, this doesn’t necessarily mean you will be granted one. Students must still contact the admissions office in order to get their request approved. Once granted permission, students may still have to put down a tuition deposit in order to secure their placement at the school for when their gap year is complete.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Next you\u2019ll need to figure out whether your school allows deferments or if you\u2019ll need to wait until the end of the year to apply again. A deferral is an opportunity for a student who has been admitted to delay enrollment for a period of time, usually a year in length. While colleges vary in their deferral policies, most admissions offices are expecting a larger percentage of students to defer attending college as a result of COVID-19. As a result of this high number of requests, schools will have to put a limit on the number of requests they approve and will not be able to grant deferment to all students who ask for one. The criteria for choosing students will become much more competitive, with many colleges only granting deferrals if the students do not pursue education elsewhere and can demonstrate their plan for meaningful, alternative work during this time. Keep in mind that taking college classes for credit elsewhere during this time would make you a <\/span>transfer student, and you\u2019d have to reapply next fall as such.<\/span><\/p>\n

How will my financial aid be determined\/affected?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

If you previously applied for <\/span>financial aid<\/span>, you will need to reapply again in the fall (anytime after October 1) and check with your college for it\u2019s application requirements and <\/span>deadlines.<\/strong> If you\u2019ve received <\/span>scholarships,<\/strong> have a conversation with the awarding organizations on whether or not it can roll over to the following year. With economic stress brought on by the coronavirus pandemic, many more families will need requests for financial aid in order to fund their student\u2019s college tuition and fees, including those who have never applied or needed it in the past. A gap year can improve your chances of receiving financial aid, so it never hurts to apply and see what you get!<\/span><\/p>\n

Do I need to take or retake the SAT\/ACT?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Additionally, keep in mind that while many universities are not currently requiring standardized test scores for applications, this policy could change in the future. When debating on taking a gap year, it is important to consider the possibility of having to retake the <\/span>SAT or ACT<\/span> in order to apply, so it\u2019s important to have a chat with prospective schools in order to best prepare.<\/span><\/p>\n

How do I make the most of my gap year?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

If you haven\u2019t <\/span>applied to college<\/span> yet, taking a gap year is a great opportunity to beef up your application and gain a competitive edge in the admissions process. Make sure you\u2019re using the time to gain a solid foundation of personal and professional experiences to build your skillset in order to show admissions that you deserve a spot at their institution. It is important to approach gap years as a \u201cyear on\u201d rather than a \u201cyear off\u201d in order to make the most of it. This also gives you time to take up a job in order to better fund college in the future. By doing so, you\u2019ll be able to use essays and personal statements to demonstrate how a gap year has pushed you forward towards your goals and ambitions.<\/span><\/p>\n

While most <\/span>study abroad programs<\/span> are not an option for students during an upcoming gap year, there are plenty of ways to learn, grow, and give locally. Remote <\/span>internships and local volunteer projects are a great way to show colleges that the time was put to good use. Volunteering can demonstrate your self-awareness as a citizen and passion for creating a positive impact in the world, a trait that is valued now more than ever. These opportunities allow students to earn experience while expanding their world view, which can put them at the top of admissions lists when re-applying.<\/span><\/p>\n

How do I prove the gap year was worth it?\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Remember, a gap year isn\u2019t a year long summer vacation. Be prepared to give an explanation to college admissions as to why a gap year was the best decision for yourself. If you\u2019ve used it to your advantage, you\u2019ll have lots of examples to demonstrate the value and importance that you place on learning experiences. If there is an optional essay, use it to tell a story from your gap year that showcases your best qualities that will\u00a0 inform the college of your goals and aspirations. Though the question may be intimidating, it can positively impact your chances of admission if you can clearly demonstrate how you\u2019ve developed an educational mindset and kept yourself motivated towards success outside of the classroom.<\/span><\/p>\n

These are all important things to consider in regards to the admissions process while deciding to take a gap year. Remember to plan ahead and have a clear idea of what you want to accomplish during this time. Keep notes of important application dates and requirements on hand so you don\u2019t end up missing them and fall two years behind instead. Even if you\u2019ve already decided to take a gap year, it\u2019s still important to apply to colleges anyway during senior year in order to make sure you\u2019re taking advantage of your high school\u2019s resources. This can include asking trusted teachers to write letters of recommendation while it’s still fresh in their minds.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Choosing to take a gap year will feel like taking the road less traveled, but it can be a worthwhile and rewarding experience. Don\u2019t forget to do the following steps to make the gap year process as easy as possible:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n