Gap Years and Deferral Experiences at the 网曝门

Taking a gap year can be a powerful way to grow, explore your interests, and prepare for college. This page is designed to clearly explain who is eligible, how the process works, and what steps you and your family should take if you are considering deferring your admission to the 网曝门.

What is a Gap Year?

A gap year is an intentional, structured experience taken after high school and before starting college. At the 网曝门, gap years are only available to:

  • Incoming first-year students (first time in college)
  • Students originally admitted for fall term

Students may request to defer their admission for up to one year. Any delay longer than one calendar year requires submitting a new application with the next applicant pool.

Common gap year activities include:

  • Travel or cultural immersion
  • Internships or full-time work
  • Volunteering or service learning
  • Research or specialized training

A gap year should be approached as 鈥渢ime on,鈥 not time off. Strong gap year plans include clear goals and opportunities for learning, reflection, and growth.

Is a Gap Year Right for Me?

Gap year requests are reviewed case by case and are not guaranteed. Deferrals are offered only when we are confident a student would be admitted again in a future year.

You may not be eligible for a gap year deferral if you:

Requesting and accepting a deferral is a commitment to enroll at UO in a future term. Students who plan to apply to other colleges or universities during the gap year should not request a deferral.

Planning Ahead: Choosing a Meaningful Experience

Many students begin exploring gap year options through their high school, family, or friends. We encourage you to research carefully and select reputable programs that align with your goals.

Helpful external resources:

Interested in Studying Abroad?

If your primary interest is international experience, we strongly encourage you to explore opportunities through Global Education Oregon (GEO). GEO offers UO-approved study abroad programs that:

  • Are designed specifically for 网曝门 students
  • Allow you to earn academic credit
  • Provide academic and on-the-ground support

For many students, participating in GEO after enrolling at UO can be a more seamless and academically connected way to study abroad than a pre-college gap year program.

How to Request a Gap Year Deferral

To be considered for a gap year deferral, you must first apply to UO and be admitted as a senior in high school.

Step-by-Step Timeline

  • By June 1:
  • By June 30:
    • Review all policies and requirements on this page
    • Prepare a written statement outlining your gap year plans
    • Submit the through the online form
    • Save a copy of the agreement for your records
  • Gap year applications are reviewed beginning May 15.

Special Program Considerations

  • Clark Honors College (CHC) or Business Direct Entry: Deferral of admission into either of these programs is granted solely at the department's discretion.
  • Architecture, Product Design, and Music programs: A general UO deferral does not guarantee a space in these programs. You must decline your spot in the upcoming class and reapply the following year.

After Your Deferral Is Approved

If your deferral is approved, we will:

  • Confirm whether your admission and merit-based scholarship are deferred
  • Outline any academic conditions (typically maintaining your admitted GPA if we don鈥檛 already have your final high school transcript)
  • Stay in touch during your gap year with reminders and updates

You will be expected to:

  • Keep your contact information current
  • Respond to periodic check-ins about your activities
  • Accept your new offer of admission once you receive it

Financial Aid and Scholarships During a Gap Year

If you plan to enroll after a gap year, keep these important details in mind:

  • Merit-based scholarships (Apex, Summit, UO Excellence) may be deferred if your final high school transcript still meets GPA requirements and you enroll for the fall term.
  • Competitive scholarships (e.g., Stamps, Presidential, Duck Excellence) must be reviewed case by case and may be lost. Contact the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarship as soon as possible to confirm what your options are.
  • PathwayOregon eligibility is reassessed annually based on FAFSA data and never guaranteed.

Important Credit Policy

If you enroll at another college or university or earn any college credit during your gap year鈥攅ven part time or through a gap year program鈥攜ou will no longer be considered a gap year student. Instead, you must apply as a transfer student. You will also become ineligible for first-year scholarships including Apex, Summit, UO Excellence, and Minds Move Mountains.

Preparing to Enroll After Your Gap Year

Before returning to UO, you must:

  • Submit a new or
    • Available after October 1
    • Priority deadline March 1
  • Pay or defer your advance tuition deposit
  • 网曝门 for housing
  • Register for IntroDUCKtion orientation with your new incoming class

Other Enrollment Scenarios

Transfer Students

Transfer students who wish to change their entry term should contact their assigned admission counselor directly.

Current UO Students

Admitted undergraduate and postbaccalaureate students may step away for up to three terms (excluding summer) without paperwork. Students away for four or more terms must submit a re-enrollment application.

Questions?

We鈥檙e here to help.