Why Defer?
Maybe you want more time to earn money for books, phone bills, and other out-of-pocket expenses. Maybe you're needed at home to help care for a suddenly sick relative. Maybe you'd like a year off to travel and experience the world before committing to more time in the classroom. Whatever the reason, you're not ready to go to college just yet. But having already applied and been accepted to several colleges you genuinely like, turning away from college altogether doesn't seem right either.

If it's not that college isn't right, but it's that it isn't right, right NOW, here's a possible solution: Go through the application process, pick a school and then, opt out for a limited time. It's called deferred admission. And it's more common than you probably think, because it buys you time without having to surrender your acceptance by a school you want to attend. Your hard work in the admissions process, then, has not been for naught!

The Process

Here's how it works, generally speaking. First, you make your deferral request in writing to the admissions office--explaining, in a sincere and mature way, why you need time off before beginning your college career. At Georgetown University, in Washington, D.C., good reasons are defined as work, travel, or special opportunities for language or cultural study at a secondary school level (college-level courses don't count). Some schools accept community service as a reason, as well. It's perfectly common for students at Brigham Young University to defer their admission while they complete a year of missionary work. Keep in mind, there's likely to be a set deadline for making this request. (At Boston College, for example, your request must be in by the deposit deadline.) Then… you wait.

If the college grants your deferment, you'll likely have between one semester and two years at your disposal, depending on the school. Oh yes, and in some cases, you may be required to hold your spot with a deposit. Mount Holyoke College, in South Hadley, Massachusetts, will set you back $300 as an enrollment fee to defer your admission for one year and enter the following year's freshman class.

Now remember, that's how it works in general. Specific policies on deferments vary widely from college to college, and your own circumstances could make a difference, too. For instance, some colleges want your request for deferment along with your application; others want you to wait until you've actually been accepted. You might even be required to document your time spent away from school and present that information in writing when you return. Foreign citizens and transfer students may not be allowed to defer at all. Bottom line: Be sure to check in with the Office of Undergraduate Admissions for your chosen school's specific policies.

Back to School
While you're in touch with those admissions people, you should also get the scoop on what you'll need to do to attend school once you're ready. (Yes, there's still more process ahead!) Some colleges want you to tell them in writing that you intend to enroll. Or, you might get a letter from the school when it's time to either attend or forfeit your spot. If time runs out before you get back to the school (or your deferment is denied) you'll have to reapply--with no guarantee of acceptance.

Scary thought, but it won't come to that if you meet your deadlines, know what is expected, and play by the rules. One last thought to take with you on your sojourn: a college student on deferred admission is still a college student. That status can gain you access to internships, adventures, and loads of interesting structured programs (Really--just look online). Use your time away wisely. When you return to school refreshed and ready, you'll be a welcome addition on just about any college campus.