Guide to Deferring College
What Does It Mean to Defer College?
Deferring college means postponing your college enrollment for a specific purpose —– namely, taking a gap semester or year. Instead of starting your higher education journey on a college campus, you’ll spend time immersing yourself in a new culture, learning a language, and gaining valuable life skills.
There are two types of deferment that you’ll want to know about:
- Deferral for a Second Review – This occurs when a college or university adjusts your early decision or action application to regular review
- Deferral for Later Enrollment – This is the type of deferment you’ll need to take a gap year. It’s a proactive decision by a student to pursue a meaningful experience before starting college.
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Benefits of Deferring College
Many top colleges encourage students to take a gap year. By deferring enrollment, you can:
- Reduce academic burnout and fatigue
- Gain experience in the real world
- Explore your personal interests
- Enhance your future job prospects
- Reduce stress and improve mental health before starting college
By deferring your enrollment, you can set yourself up for a more fulfilling college experience.
Key Points to Remember
- Most colleges allow deferrals for up to one academic year
- To officially defer your enrollment, you may need to provide the following documentation:
- A formal letter of intent to defer (see CIEE’s template for pointers)
- An enrollment deposit
- The deadline for deferring varies, but most schools require requests to be submitted between May and July. However, the sooner you let your college know your plans, the better.
5 Steps to the College Deferral Process:
1
Get Started
Prepare your college and CIEE applications simultaneously
2
Communicate with your College
Contact your college admissions office to discuss deferment
3
4
Go Abroad
Finalize your CIEE plans (CIEE requires proof of deferment for Gap Year Abroad) and then embark on your adventure!
For more information, read our blog: How to Defer College Acceptance for a Gap Year Abroad.
Blogs
What Are the Different Types of College Deferral?
If you're researching how to defer college to take a gap year, you may have come across two types of deferrals. One is deferral for a second review, which might... keep reading
How to Defer College Acceptance for a Gap Year Abroad
More and more graduates are taking a gap year after high school, for good reason! A gap year abroad provides an opportunity to spread your wings and see the world... keep reading
Advice For Plotting Your Future
Imagine it’s your senior year of high school, and you’re faced with a big decision about your future. Maybe you're not ready to commit to a university for the next... keep reading
More Information
Further Assistance
For more help, call our team at 1-866-583-0332 or send us an email at fya-gya@ciee.org today.
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