How to Defer 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.

4 Steps to the College Deferral Process:

Get Started

Prepare your college and CIEE applications simultaneously

Communicate with your College

Contact your college admissions office to discuss deferment

Documentation

Submit the required documentation (see CIEE’s template for pointers)

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.

From CIEE

7 Proven Benefits of a Gap Year Abroad

By High School Gap Year at CIEE

Taking time off before college can change everything. A gap year abroad gives you the freedom to step outside your comfort zone, meet new people, and see the world from... keep reading

Two students looking at a laptop together on campus

From CIEE