Deferring your college acceptance should not deter the school of your choice; in fact, some of the top colleges in the country specifically encourage students to take a gap year because they know these programs help students reach their full potential. For example, the prestigious Harvard University’s Gap Policy page reads:
“We want to do everything possible to help the students we enroll make the most of their opportunities, avoiding the much reported ‘burnout’ phenomenon that can keep them from reaching their full potential. Our overall graduation rate of 98% is perhaps due in part to the fact that so many students take time off, before or during college. We encourage admitted students to defer enrollment for one year to travel, pursue a special project or activity, work, or spend time in another meaningful way.”
And that’s just one of the renowned institutions that EF Gap Year alumni have gone on to attend. Others have charted successful academic careers all around the country at colleges such as the University of Miami, New York University, University of North Carolina, University of Oregon, and many more.**