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DePauw's Gap Year Policy

Planning on Taking a Gap Year?

Here is what you need to know:

STEP-BY-STEP instructions to defer your admission for one gap year

  1. Confirm your intent to enroll at DePauw by the May 1 deadline. To do so you will first need to reply to your offer of admission followed by submission of the $400 enrollment deposit. An additional deferral charge of $1,100 will be assessed to students wishing to defer one year.
  2. Email the Office of Admission by June 1. Your email should outline your reasons for postponing your enrollment and plans for your gap/service year.
  3. You will receive an official response from the Office of Admission. If approved, allow two weeks for processing gap/service year requests.
  4. Re-apply for financial aid. Complete either the International Student Financial Aid Application (ISFAA) or the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), by November 15, or College Scholarship Search Profile (CSS Profile). Visit DePauw's admissions and student financial planning website for application instructions and requirements. 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, though, that if there are any changes to DePauw's financial aid policies, it may impact your award and/or eligibility. Please note that your 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.
  5. 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.

GAP/SERVICE-YEAR FACTS & FINE PRINT

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.