A gap year is time taken between the end of high school and starting college. A gap year is not a vacation but rather a year of meaningful personal growth and/or service to a student’s community. A student may consider a gap year in an effort to strengthen plans for college, career and/or to practice an increased level of independence and strengthen life skills.
The College’s gap year policy allows students to delay enrollment for one year from their original entry term. A gap year request, in writing, must be made to the Director of Admissions. An interview may also be required. Gap year plans cannot include enrolling in college-level coursework for credit.
How to Request a Gap Year
- Accept your offer of admission no later than May 1 (including officially submitting the $300 non-refundable Enrollment Deposit).
- Submit a gap year request – a formal letter written to the Director of Admissions. The letter must include specific goals and plans for the gap year.
- Have your final high school transcript sent to the Office of Admissions at the conclusion of your senior year.
- The deadline to request a gap year is June 15.
After a gap year request has been submitted and reviewed, you will be notified by email whether it has been approved.
Enrolling After Your Gap Year
If the request for a gap year is approved, admission will be deferred to the fall semester of the following enrollment year. Admission will be reinstated and the student will be notified by the Office of Admissions as if the student is a newly admitted first-year student. Academic merit scholarships awarded at the time of admission may remain intact. Talent scholarships and Scholars’ program admission and scholarship(s) awarded previously are determined on a program-by-program basis. Federal, state, and institutional need-based aid awarded as part of the original financial aid award is not guaranteed; an updated FAFSA must be submitted for the new enrollment term.
If information provided in the application for admission changes during a gap year (disciplinary history, charged with or found guilty of a misdemeanor or felony, etc.) the student must contact the Office of Admissions to update their previous application for admission. A student who has such changes to their original application for admission will be re-evaluated for admission.
Students taking coursework for credit at another college or university during a gap year must reapply as a transfer student.
Questions about a gap year request or policy may be directed to the Office of Admissions at (919) 760-8581 or admissions@meredith.edu.