FAQ #4: What if I want to take a gap year between high school and college?

ANSWER: Most colleges are very sympathetic to students who want to take a gap year, provided that they do something productive with it. The best approach is to go through the entire admissions process, accept admissions to the school of your choice, and then ask them what you would need to do if you decided to take a gap year.

It is not a good idea to let colleges know in the middle of the admissions process that you are thinking of taking a gap year. This information alone might be a reason for them to turn you down in favor of another student who is sure to enroll in the fall.

You should also know that it is a lot easier to get counselor and teacher recommendations, as well as transcripts sent from your school when you are a student rather than an alumni.

Endnote to Part B
So that’s it! If you have read this and the other adMISSION POSSIBLE® guides, you probably know more about admissions than most people, maybe even your teachers and counselors. We wish you well and lots of fun and good luck. No matter what, you’re about to begin four years of the best time in your life!