Should I list gap year plans

Applying to College
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I am a high school senior and in the process of writing my applications. Next year, I will be taking a gap year and working with a national non-profit that relates closely to many of my extracurriculars. My plan for this year was to only apply to 8 highly selective schools and in the event that I did not get into any of them I would re-apply next year to a broader selection of schools.

I am beginning to get worried that they may not want to accept me if I say I am taking a gap year because I would be taking up a spot for the following year. Also in the common app, under each college, the only option for “preferred start term” is fall 2025 even though I would be starting in fall 2026.

Should I be worried about listing this gap year on the application. I know it is going to help my application, but my application is still solid without it.

If I should list it, how should I tell them? Should I list it under Additional Information?

Thank you!

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Most of the kids I know who have taken gap years have had to petition the college AFTER admissions to get permission to enroll in the following year. It is not an automatic “sure, show up when you want” kind of deal.

I’m not sure the Adcom’s want to get into the business of evaluating an application for the following year…

What does your guidance counselor think?

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Have you researched all the schools on your list, whether they allow gap years, and if so, under what conditions they allow gap years?

I would not share your plans for a gap year in your app. I don’t think that will help your app at highly rejective schools regardless what your plans are. I assume you haven’t applied ED anywhere?

I agree with blossom you should also speak with your high school counselor. If you already have, what did they say?

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I think taking a gap year is great given you have a plan.

Easy solution:

  1. Apply this year and defer after acceptance. Saying you are not coming up front is not helpful.

Or

  1. Apply next year and ensure schools you will get into. Why wait to broaden your list ? Makes no sense. You’re only going to one and there’s tons of great schools. Applying only to reaches is silly. The most important school on your list is the affordable safety. This way, if you strike out on the reaches, you still have a home.

Best of luck in your gap year.

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