This is from a group of college counselors from California who are part of an online chat group we belong to online. Great insight. We know this is something some students are struggling with to decide.
Should I defer my enrollment to Fall 2021?
Each of you, in conversation with your family, will need to make your own decision about enrollment for this fall. In general, we do not recommend that [HS] seniors defer enrollment if you were not already planning to take a gap year. While distance learning may continue into this fall and beyond, there will be meaning and purpose in beginning college this fall with your class, as planned. Colleges will be dedicating resources and time to developing programs and plans to accommodate their entering first-year students as well as their current students--summer allows professors and program directors to consider adjustments to calendars, community-building, and learning opportunities. As a first-year student, you will be part of a new community that is experiencing this altered beginning to college together; you will be able to start creating your network of mentors and peers; you will be able to continue structured learning; you will go through this unexpected journey with others who are sharing in your trepidation, hope, and desire to make the best of these new circumstances.
Deferring enrollment could be the right choice for some, but consider that if shelter in place continues through this fall and winter, significant travel will be impossible and you will likely still need to be at home. While we believe there are many wonderful outcomes for students who opt to take a gap year during regular circumstances, the main drawback that we hear from alums every year is the loneliness and isolation that they feel during their year off. Most alums make the best of this by travelling with friends, finding volunteer or paid work through businesses and non-profit organizations, and taking community college classes (when allowed). With the current financial crisis, paid work will be difficult to find for those on a gap year, internships and service work will likely need to be remote, and any academic experiences will remain online.
Some questions you should consider as you make your decision:
• If I’m going to be home, would I rather be part of my new college community or would I rather be home without school for another semester or year?
• How motivated will I be to manage my own time and engagement in the world if I am sheltered at home?
• How do I plan to build and maintain community without the structure of a school? • How do I feel about deferring not only my undergraduate schooling, but also my professional career for a semester or year?
As you consider your choice, know that the college admission world is also considering the overall higher education landscape. Knowing that most colleges’ budgets are tuition- driven, large numbers of students requesting to defer this year will negatively affect the financial health of all colleges. Frankly, we will not be surprised if colleges begin to limit the number of gap year requests they will approve in order to ensure they are able to enroll a full class this fall--and leave space for the Class of 2021 when they head to college next year.
The world has changed. There are unknowns and risks in any decision that you make this year and in the future. We encourage you to weigh the options, consider the pros and cons that you can identify at this time, and make the decision that is right for you. ... See more
