How to Write a Deferral Letter for a Gap Year

After you put in tons of time and effort into applying for college, you might think it’s a no-brainer to jump into classes as soon as possible. That’s not the only way to go, though.

Gap years offer an alternative to the traditional high-school-to-college-to-degree path that can set you up to achieve both short- and long-term goals, all while letting you see the world. But you’ll need to defer your spot if you’ve already secured a place at the college you want to attend before heading off for your gap year.

Deferring enrollment is sometimes the way to get the best of both worlds!

Wondering how to write a deferral letter for a gap year? Looking for a student deferment letter sample? Once you’ve figured out what a gap year is (and why it’s right for you), solidifying that step will get your journey off to the right start.

From working abroad to learning a new language, backpacking solo to volunteering with a group, taking a year between high school and college can translate to a range of exciting possibilities. A gap year is so much more than a year off for an extended vacation, and when you show your future college you’ve set up a meaningful itinerary with equally meaningful goals, you’re taking the first step toward a year of amazing personal growth.

Can I defer college admission for a gap year?

Before finalizing your gap year plans, you’ll want to thoroughly investigate your future college’s deferral policies. Sure, it’s tempting to dive right into daydreams about where you’ll take your gap year, but you want to make sure your college accepts requests for deferrals before you write out your itinerary details.

Check your college’s deferral policy by visiting their website or calling the admission’s office. Each university’s rules vary, so ensuring you know if your chosen school will allow you to ask for a deferral—and exactly how they want you to do it—will in turn help you ensure your request to defer admission for a gap year is successful.

Will I need to write a deferral letter for my gap year?

Each university is different, so reach out to admissions about gap year deferrals.

Getting approval to defer your start at college typically involves submitting a formal request. Schools with deferral-friendly policies will want a letter that lets them in on how you plan to use your gap time.

Fortunately, more and more universities see the value gap years offer. You’ll get a chance to really evaluate what you want for your future while expanding your resume and life experiences, ultimately making you more prepared when you do start taking college classes the following year. Writing a deferral letter to your university lets your school see you understand and want to build on these benefits.

When to send your deferral letter

One important part of figuring out how to write a deferral letter to a university is researching deadlines. Colleges that offer gap year deferrals will have a firm deadline to receive requests. Most universities have deadlines around May to July, but make it a point to verify your exact deadline when you look into the school’s deferral policies.

After your college accepts your deferral request, you’ll likely need to put down a tuition deposit to confirm your place in next year’s class. Then you’re ready to jet off to explore the world and grow into a globally aware, mature college student through your year of travel.

How to write a gap year deferral letter to a university

Including key information in your request will help your letter shine.

Once you’ve decided a gap year is right for you and confirmed your college’s deferral policy, you’ll need to defer admission for your gap year officially. Step one? Learning how to write a deferral letter to a university. Use these tips to craft a letter that wows the admissions office with details about how your gap year will propel your educational plans:

1. Get Specific

While different colleges will have different requirements for a letter to defer admission, you’ll want to get as specific as you can in the text. Gap years work how you want them to work, so colleges want their prospective gap year students to demonstrate they have a concrete plan. Show how you’ll spend your time, giving specifics like your gap year program name or details of your itinerary if you’re DIY-ing your year.

2. Talk About the Why

Beyond just detailing what you’ll do, you’ll want to show your future college why you’ve made the choice to take a gap year. Describe the goals you’ve set for your gap year and how you want this time before you enroll to spur your personal growth. Talk up what you hope to get out of a gap year to make the time meaningful, whether that’s learning a language, tapping into your creativity, or any other goals.

3. Go For Quality Over Quantity

You don’t need to compose a multi-page missive when you’re writing a deferral letter to a university. Aim to describe your plans and goals in one page, using about four to six strong paragraphs. You should write out your ideas as you would a formal letter (even if you’re sending your request as an email).

4. Don’t Worry If Things Change

Make the most of your gap year without worrying about things going to plan!

Though colleges want to see you have a solid plan for a gap year, most won’t hold it against you if the plans you outline ultimately change. Schools even expect your gap year to transform as you hone in on your goals. Around February before the start of classes, some colleges will want an update about how your year has evolved. Find out if your future school requires this step before setting out for the first stop on your gap year itinerary.

Admission deferral letter sample

Use your deferral letter to articulate your plans and goals along with your request. With this student deferment letter sample as your guide, you’re ready to compose the perfect letter:

• Dear Office of Undergraduate Admissions / [Name of Admissions Officer],
• Introductory Paragraph: Start by stating your request for a one-year deferral of your admission to [Future College], including information about the class to which you were accepted and any identifying information such as your applicant ID. Then, take a few sentences to share the reasons why [Future College] is such a great fit for you. Complete this first paragraph by requesting to defer your admission for a year so you can pursue your gap year.
• Paragraphs 2-5: Devote the heart of your letter to your specific itinerary—and what you hope to achieve and learn during your gap year. Whether you’re planning to spend your gap year working with animals, studying a language, or anything in between, lay out the details, including the time, place, and any official program you’ll attend. Tweak the length of this admission deferral letter sample depending on your plans, with one paragraph per place/program as a general guideline.
• Conclusion Paragraph: Wrap things up by letting the admissions team know you expect your gap year to help you become an engaged and mature member of the [Future College]’s classes and community. Remember, this year can give you valuable real-world experience and skills along with a broader perspective essential to a fruitful college career. Conclude with a sentence saying you hope the college will accept your deferral request and welcome you to the Class of [year].
• Sincerely,
• [Your Name]

Find and compare gap year programs side-by-side for FREE

Don’t panic—your letter to defer admission will be great with these tips!

Global education now, formal education later.

Learning how to write a deferral letter for a gap year may feel daunting at first, but you’re well on your way to getting your gap year plans approved with these tips. Next stop: A meaningful gap year complete with new perspectives, eye-opening travels, and unparalleled personal growth.