Deferral Policy
Goucher College fully supports admitted students who make the choice to take time off between high school and enrolling in college. Taking a gap year allows students to pursue a variety of activities and experiences that contribute greatly to their learning on campus.
Many students find that by taking a gap year, they feel more prepared and ready to tackle a challenging academic environment and residential campus experience.
How to Defer Admission
To defer the offer of admission, students must take the following steps:
- Submit the Reply to Offer of Admission and a nonrefundable Enrollment Deposit.
- Complete the Request for Deferral of Admissions form. (Email admissions@goucher.edu for the link.)
Once both steps have been completed, your request will be processed and an update will be released on your Admissions & Financial Aid Status Portal.
Please Note: Only students who have submitted their enrollment deposit may defer admission for no more than two consecutive semesters.
College Credits Taken During Deferral Period
During the deferral period, students may take no more than 12 college credits.
Students who take more than 12 college credits will be required to reapply as a transfer student.
Merit Scholarships
Recipients of merit scholarships who defer their admission can retain their scholarship only by not matriculating at another institution during their deferral period.
Scholarship recipients who complete more than 12 college credits during the deferral period may forfeit the scholarship.
Need-Based Financial Aid
Since need-based financial aid is determined and packaged on a yearly basis, students will need to resubmit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for need based financial aid.
The FAFSA for the following year opens on October 1.