Requesting a Gap Year

Admission & Aid
Admitted Students
DePauw's Gap Year Policy

Taking a gap year before beginning your college journey can be a transformative experience, offering opportunities for growth and discovery beyond the classroom. Whether you choose to travel, volunteer, gain work experience or pursue a personal passion, a thoughtfully planned gap year can broaden your perspective, deepen your sense of purpose and prepare you to make the most of your time at DePauw.

I discovered how important having community was to forming positive memories, wherever you are in the world.

Mahmoud Abouelkheir

How to defer your admission

Reply to your offer of admission and submit your non-refundable $400 enrollment deposit by the May 1 deadline.
Contact your admission counselor to formally request a gap year by completing the Request for a Deferral of Enrollment form. For approved requests, an additional deferral charge of $1,100 will be assessed to students wishing to defer one year.
You will receive an official response from the Office of Admission. If approved, allow two weeks for processing gap/service year requests.
Re-apply for financial aid by November 15. If your family's financial circumstances are similar to when you originally applied, you can anticipate a similar parent contribution to that originally offered. Please be advised that if there are any changes to DePauw's financial aid policies, it may impact your award and/or eligibility. Eligibility for financial aid and level of demonstrated need will be based on the new information you provide to us when you reapply for aid.
While on your gap/service year, you'll need to update us as soon as possible after January 1 to reaffirm your commitment to join the newest matriculating DePauw class. We'll also want to know more about your experiences and undertakings during your gap/service year.

Additional information

Admitted students who postpone their enrollment may not apply or attend any other colleges or universities during their gap/service year.

The Admissions Committee reserves the right to review the status of any admitted student, including those on a gap/service year, and to rescind its offer of admission if a student's academic and personal record does not remain satisfactory in all respects.

The American Gap Association defines a gap year as: "A structured period of time when students take a break from formal education to increase self-awareness, learn from different cultures and experiment with possible careers. Typically, these are achieved by a combination of traveling, volunteering, interning or working."

If there are any policy changes at the university, they will apply to you as a member of your matriculating class.