This informal CPD article ‘Gap years and US applications’ was provided by UES Education, specialists in international university and school admissions, working with top schools across the UK and Europe to provide a bespoke service for those who want the best possible application support in the UK.
Gap years are a familiar rite of passage in the UK but are a bit less common in the US. Many UK applicants to American universities may wonder whether taking a gap year is an option, but they shouldn’t worry: many US colleges encourage or accommodate gap years, as long as the time is spent wisely.
The advantages of gap years
Taking a gap year has many positives. First, it gives applicants time to build a stronger application by pursuing meaningful activities like volunteering, work experience, and personal projects. It can also demonstrate values like independence, maturity, and initiative; these qualities are particularly valuable to US colleges, which assess applicants’ personal characters as well as their academic credentials.
Second, taking a gap year can help students explore their career interests, giving them more of a sense of what path they want to take at university, or open up new fields of interest. It is perfectly fine for students not to know exactly what careers they want: the U.S. system is designed to help them explore their interests before specializing. However, having some career-related experience can still be helpful in narrowing down college lists or discussing interests in application essays. If students are applying to colleges that require standardized test scores for admission, a gap year gives them the chance to re-sit the SAT or ACT if needed.
Finally, taking a gap year can help students learn life skills, like budgeting, time management, and adaptability, as well as helping them build confidence and develop a global perspective.
Considerations when taking a gap year
Students planning to take a gap year should keep a few things in mind. First, they should consider the best time for them to apply to university. Many US colleges allow students to defer their admission for a gap year, so if this is the case, they can apply at the beginning of year 13, along with the rest of their school cohort. However, students hoping to follow this plan should always check with each university that interests them to ensure that deferred entry is possible, as some colleges don’t grant deferred enrolment (for example, the Universities of California, a group of California universities including UC Berkeley and UCLA).
If the colleges on a student’s list allow them to defer entry, this can be a good option. Whilst still in school, applicants will have better access to things like their school’s university advising office, and to teachers writing recommendations. Students will apply with their predicted A-Level or IB grades, receive offers, and they can then accept the offer from their chosen university, pay a deposit, and request deferred enrolment. This will allow them to embark on their gap year knowing there’s a clear plan for the following autumn.
Defer admission for gap year
Another option is for students to apply directly to US universities that offer gap year programmes as part of their curriculum (1) (this is often referred to as bridge year).
Finally, gap year students can apply to university after graduation. This allows them to apply with their official A-Level or IB results, rather than with predicted grades (which is helpful for students whose predictions aren’t as strong as their exam results would be). The best way for students taking this route to organise their timeline is to submit their applications following the receipt of their final grades: they could spend two to three months of intensive SAT preparation and essay writing in the autumn, submit applications in early January, and then head off on their gap year. They would then enter university the following year. For example, if a student graduates in August 2025, they would apply in Autumn 2025 to enter university in Autumn 2026.
It’s possible to wait after the gap year to apply, but due to the timing of the application deadlines, this will typically mean the student has two years between school and university, unless they apply to colleges with rolling admissions (which accept applications during a longer period).
Final thoughts
Regardless of when they choose to apply to university, it is important for students to plan gap years that are structured and purposeful. It’s okay to take some down time, but a gap year shouldn’t be treated like a holiday. It can be a great move to tailor gap year activities to interests and passions, especially if students plan to apply to university after the gap year, as this will help their application have a clear ‘story’ and trajectory.
To have a productive gap year, students should take part in activities like volunteering, learning new skills, work experience, or travel (with a focus on things like learning languages or serving a community). To make the most of their time, planning early and setting goals is important. Documenting the experience (through things like photography, journals, or blogs – not just social media) can help with reflection and presenting their experiences into applications down the line. During a gap year, it’s also easy to forget about deadlines and requirements with so much going on, so students who take them should be sure to stay on top of these things.
Gap years can have academic, personal, and professional benefits, and are good experiences for students coming to the end of secondary school to consider. There are lots of options to explore, and with a bit of forward planning, a gap year can be a great idea for US university applicants.
We hope this article was helpful. For more information from UES Education, please visit their CPD Member Directory page. Alternatively, you can go to the CPD Industry Hubs for more articles, courses and events relevant to your Continuing Professional Development requirements.
REFERENCES
- https://www.goabroad.com/articles/gap-year/colleges-that-offer-gap-year-programs
