Tufts University allows newly admitted first-year students to request a one-year deferral of enrollment. We believe that a gap year can be a fulfilling experience and contribute to a student’s preparedness to enter the university and be ready to engage with our community. Using the gap year as an opportunity to take a break from intense academic work, students often use this time to pursue a personal interest, travel, work and/or meaningfully engage in service.
Students interested in pursuing a gap year should read the following policies and expectations. 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.
How to request a gap year:
- Confirm your intent to enroll at Tufts, which includes submitting the enrollment deposit by the date included in your offer of admission.
- Submit the Gap Year Request Form, found in your application portal, by June 1. This form includes space to outline your plans for your gap year and reasons for pursuing this option.
- You will hear back from us via email no later than June 15 with a decision on your request.
- You will need to re-confirm your enrollment to Tufts in early February. You will be contacted once this form is available in your application portal.
Other facts about a gap year:
- First-year students admitted from the wait list and transfer students are not eligible to request or pursue a gap year.
- Deferrals 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. 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.
- 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 in a future Tufts class.
Any further questions about taking a gap year? Please contact Undergraduate Admissions at (617) 627-3170 or undergraduate.admissions@tufts.edu.