We’ve been contacting college admissions offices to see what they say about their
deferral policies and we’ve learned a few things we’d like to pass along…

•••••• We’re suggesting that you apply to college during your senior year in high
•••••••school and then ask for a deferral to do a Gap Year (or semester).

•••••• Most schools want to know what you plan to do during that semester or year
•••••••so it makes sense to know your plans before you ask. (Vacationing on the
•••••••Riviera probably won’t get you that deferral; studying art in Florence probably
•••••••would.) Or, you could ask them about their deferral policy before you apply.

•••••• You will probably not get credit for the experience, unless it’s a specific program
•••••••that a college is sponsoring. But if you plan to do something that has an academic
•••••••ring to it, it can’t hurt to ask. Be ready to give them specifics. (i.e. A paper on the
•••••••effect of ancestral spirits on the daily lives of the Balinese. Or, a paper and
•••••••photography show on the process and business of weaving in Guatemala.)

•••••• Most colleges do not allow students to take classes at another college during
•••••••a Gap Year deferral.

•••••• If you are a transfer student, you probably won’t get approved for a deferral.

In a 3/27/11 Forbes article, Steven Cohen says that “More and more colleges respect
a student’s decision to take a year off, and will automatically defer admission for a
year. If that is something you are considering, contact the college at once. And get
their deferral in writing.”

Look at our list of colleges that consider deferrals. Check back frequently
because we are adding to this list regularly. We encourage you to do your own
research, and if you find a college that grants deferrals that is not already on our list,
we hope you will share it with us at info@LetsGetGlobal.org.

1. Is a deferral available for an international Gap Year (or semester)? If yes, tell them
your plans and be sure a deferral works for your situation. See the Forbes article
about asking for the deferral in writing.

2. Will a deferral affect your scholarship or financial aid package? If they say you
will have to reapply for scholarships or financial aid, ask if aid will be offered after
your gap experience.

3. If you are interested in a specific class/course of study, ask if it will still be available
after your gap experience?

4. If you intend to do an academic program abroad, ask if there is a way you can earn
credits for it.

5. If you plan to work on an independent project (art, music, customs, daily life in a
village etc.), you might want to ask if there is a way to get credits for it. They probably
won’t give you an OK before the fact, but they might tell you what they look for in
deciding to give credit or not.