Gap semester

One of the best ways to take time between high school and college is a gap semester. Instead of delaying college a full year, you can take a gap semester anywhere you like in the fall. Thn start on our Santa Fe campus in the spring semester as part of our January Freshmen Program.

The best part: you will have seven months between high school and college, but you won’t fall behind, and you’ll still graduate on the same timeline as those who began in the fall semester.

Process for requesting a gap semester or year

First, apply to St. John’s for the upcoming semester! If you are admitted, you will need to take the following steps by June 1 (for applicants to the fall semester) or January 1 (for applicants to the spring semester):

Fall Semester

Students admitted for the Fall Semester may request to defer their enrollment for up to one year. Those who are approved may take a gap semester (and enroll in January on the Santa Fe campus) or a gap year (and enroll the following August). Under limited circumstances, such as for military service, a student may request a two-year deferral of enrollment. To receive approval, (1) make your enrollment deposit by the deposit deadline, and (2) submit a request in writing to your admissions counselor by June 1. You may not enroll as a full-time student at another college or university during your gap semester or year.

Spring Semester

Students admitted for the Spring Semester may request to defer their enrollment for up to one year. Those who are approved may take a gap semester (and enroll in August on the Santa Fe or Annapolis campus) or a gap year (and enroll the following January on the Santa Fe campus). Under limited circumstances, such as for military service, a student may request a two-year deferral of enrollment. To receive approval, (1) make your enrollment deposit by the deposit deadline, and (2) submit a request in writing to your admissions counselor by January 1. You may not enroll as a full-time student at another college or university during your gap semester or year.