How to Defer Your U.S. University Offer

If you were planning to start university in 2020, the coronavirus outbreak may have left you facing a lot of uncertainty. Prospective students were worried about whether their courses would begin as scheduled, and whether they would continue into the next academic year with a move to online learning.

In that situation, it is understandable if you think delaying your university entry by another year and taking a “gap year” before starting higher education is the right move for you. But how do you actually defer your university offer?

Deferring your university offer in the U.S.

Taking a year off before starting university is less common in the United States than it is in the U.K., but the “gap year” is becoming increasingly popular on both sides of the Atlantic. The process is different, because you have to apply to the university, receive an offer, and confirm that you will attend without selecting a deferral option. Then you need to write to the college admissions director and request a deferral, ideally between mid-April and June, explaining your gap year plans. The admissions committee will then decide whether to approve your request.

You can also check with your university whether it may be possible to earn university credit through gap year activities, for example if you enroll in language courses abroad. This is uncommon, but it is always worth considering.

If you have already applied for financial aid or scholarships, it is worth checking whether these will still be valid after you defer for a year. You can find more advice on scholarships and financial aid here.

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