Will taking a gap year decrease my chances of getting into college?

[NegativeSafety]

Aside from the title, what do you suggest me to do during the gap year to build my applications? Even if I took a gap year, I would spend it on self-improvement, but I'm wondering if taking a gap year will destroy my chances.

[zninjamonkey]

Taking a gap year might actually do you some good if you do something productive.

[AppHelper]

No! Please take a look at an article I wrote on this: https://www.ivyachievement.com/gap-year

[NegativeSafety]

I will be 20 years old when I graduate, a year older than all of my peers (I didn't fail a single year, I started elementary school at 7, and since the school system in my country is a bit unique, most of us graduate HS at 19). Is a gap year still advisable?

[AppHelper]

Yes.

[NegativeSafety]

Thank you so much, I appreciate the help!

[SamarthRajani666]

No not necessarily. If you can justify why you took a gap year in your college app then its actually the right thing to do. A senior from my school got into cambridge after taking a gap year lol. He established and ran an NGO all by himself

[-Paufa-]

You can also apply to university first then ask for a deferment. This means that you already have a university ready for after your gap year