Can you defer college enrollment for a gap year after high school?

I really want to take a gap year after graduating from high school, but I'm not sure how deferring my college enrollment would work. Does this impact scholarships, and is it common for colleges to allow this?

Most colleges do allow students to defer their admission for a gap year, though the process can vary. Typically, you would apply to colleges as you normally would during your senior year of high school. Once accepted, you can request to defer your admission for one year. It's best to reach out to each school to check their deferral policies, as not all colleges handle it the same way.

A key factor you mentioned, scholarships, might be impacted by deferring enrollment. While some colleges will honor your scholarships when you return from your gap year, others might not. For example, merit-based scholarships are often honored, while need-based scholarships may need to be reevaluated based on any changes in financial circumstances during the gap year.

Keep in mind that certain programs, such as ROTC scholarships, may have specific restrictions regarding deferring enrollment. You should reach out to the organizations sponsoring the scholarships for clarification on their policies.

In recent years, it has become more common for students to take gap years, and colleges are generally supportive of these decisions. The reason behind wanting to take a gap year is also important; whether it's for travel, work experience, mental health, or something else, you should ensure it aligns with your academic and career objectives. Try to plan your gap year to be something meaningful and productive that contributes to your growth.

Overall, a gap year can be a great opportunity to mature and gain valuable experiences outside the traditional educational setting, so long as you plan it carefully! But remember to check the policies for each individual school and scholarship you're considering.