Considering a gap semester or year?

Ithaca College supports the choice of accepted students to take a semester or year off between high school graduation and college. A gap or bridge semester or year off can allow students to pursue a range of activities that contribute to their development and preparation for college. Reasons for postponing enrollment may include: volunteer or community service opportunities; civic engagement; pursuit of specialized training; travel opportunities; assisting family members; and conducting research.

Ithaca College reviews requests to postpone enrollment for a semester or year on a case-by-case basis. If you are interested in postponing your enrollment, please submit the Request a Gap Year form in IC Connect by May 1. (Access the form via the Application Tab at the bottom of the page in the Manage Your Enrollment Plans section.) Your request should be as detailed as possible and include your reason(s) for deferring enrollment as well as your tentative plans for your gap semester or year. Students must still submit a final high school transcript at the end of the academic year in which they were first offered admission. Email the Office of Admission at admission@ithaca.edu if you have questions.

Scholarships and financial aid

An Ithaca College Scholarship awarded at the time of admission will be carried into the approved term and year; other scholarships cannot be guaranteed. Need-based financial aid will be evaluated and determined based on demonstrated financial need and institutional policies in place for the approved term and year. Financial aid forms will need to be submitted for the term of entry.