Tufts University allows newly enrolled first-year students to request a one-year deferral of enrollment (gap year). We believe that a gap year can be a fulfilling experience and contribute to a student’s preparedness to thrive at Tufts. Each year, several dozen students choose to defer their first-year enrollment at Tufts in order to pursue a meaningful engagement.
Your request for a gap year must include a substantive plan, outlining the year ahead with as much specificity as you can provide. Each request is reviewed on its individual merits, in the context of our overall enrollment goals each year, and in conjunction with the guidelines below. Generally, substantive gap year plans that adhere to the guidelines below will be approved. Plans that are not substantive or detailed are generally not approved.
How to request a gap year:
- Confirm your intent to enroll at Tufts, which includes submitting the enrollment reply form and the non-refundable enrollment deposit by the date included in your offer of admission.
- Submit the Gap Year Request form, found in your applicant portal, by June 1. This form includes space for you to outline your substantive plans for your gap year.
- Gap Year requests will be reviewed on a rolling basis. All requests will receive a written response from our Admission Committee no later than June 15 with a decision on your request.
- If approved for your gap year, you will be asked to re-confirm your enrollment to Tufts in early February of the following year.
Additional information about the Tufts University gap year policy:
- First-year students admitted from the wait list and transfer students are not eligible to request or pursue a deferral of enrollment for a gap year.
- Gap years are granted for one year; however, students who must complete compulsory military service can be approved for a deferral of two years.
- Deferral requests for additional educational experiences that involve a structured and/or credit-bearing academic program will not be approved. You may not enroll as a post-graduate student at a secondary school, or as a degree-candidate at another institution of higher education during an approved gap year. Deferrals for programs like Kivunim or Young Judea are typically approved with the understanding that any academic work completed will not be accepted at Tufts for credit.
- Deferral requests can be made for health-related matters that require postponing enrollment as a first-year student for one year. First-year students may only begin their studies at Tufts in the Fall Semester.
- Students planning to apply to other colleges or universities during this year should not seek a deferral. By requesting and accepting a deferral, you are making a commitment to enroll at Tufts in the following academic year.
Please contact Tufts Admissions at (617) 627-3170 or undergraduate.admissions@tufts.edu with any questions about requesting a gap year.