Gap year confusion
I'm currently in Year 13. If I were to take a gap year to reapply to Oxbridge (among other reasons) after hopefully getting 3A*s, would I be sending off my UCAS application October 2026 or October 2027?
I originally thought it would obviously be the former but, if that's the case, how would I be able to talk about the stuff I do in my gap year on my application? Everyone stresses the importance in actually doing relevant things in gap years but surely it would be impossible to even mention them in my PS/reference if I have to send off my application by October this year.
Is the point about doing relevant and productive things on gap years to have a good chance at acceptance when reapplying mistaken?
Would very much appreciate it if somebody could enlighten me here.
I originally thought it would obviously be the former but, if that's the case, how would I be able to talk about the stuff I do in my gap year on my application? Everyone stresses the importance in actually doing relevant things in gap years but surely it would be impossible to even mention them in my PS/reference if I have to send off my application by October this year.
Is the point about doing relevant and productive things on gap years to have a good chance at acceptance when reapplying mistaken?
Would very much appreciate it if somebody could enlighten me here.
Reply 1
Original post
by AnonymousI'm currently in Year 13. If I were to take a gap year to reapply to Oxbridge (among other reasons) after hopefully getting 3A*s, would I be sending off my UCAS application October 2026 or October 2027?
I originally thought it would obviously be the former but, if that's the case, how would I be able to talk about the stuff I do in my gap year on my application? Everyone stresses the importance in actually doing relevant things in gap years but surely it would be impossible to even mention them in my PS/reference if I have to send off my application by October this year.
Is the point about doing relevant and productive things on gap years to have a good chance at acceptance when reapplying mistaken?
Would very much appreciate it if somebody could enlighten me here.
I originally thought it would obviously be the former but, if that's the case, how would I be able to talk about the stuff I do in my gap year on my application? Everyone stresses the importance in actually doing relevant things in gap years but surely it would be impossible to even mention them in my PS/reference if I have to send off my application by October this year.
Is the point about doing relevant and productive things on gap years to have a good chance at acceptance when reapplying mistaken?
Would very much appreciate it if somebody could enlighten me here.
Hi there,
So I am assuming you will do you A-Levels this year and you want to start university in 2027. If this is the case, I believe you would be right and you would apply around October 2026, as applying in October 2027 would mean you start university in 2028, assuming you intend on starting around September/October (the regular start of the university academic year).
I can see the confusion with how you are expected to write about your gap year, but actually, you don't have to mention it in your Personal Statement at all. If you did want to, however, you could add a few lines about what you plan on doing in your gap year and how it relates to your course or university in general, and what you hope to gain from it - if relevant.
I hope this helps and the best of luck! I hope you enjoy your gap year! 😊
Rehman, 2nd Year Accounting and Finance
Student Ambassador
Reply 2
Original post
by AnonymousI'm currently in Year 13. If I were to take a gap year to reapply to Oxbridge (among other reasons) after hopefully getting 3A*s, would I be sending off my UCAS application October 2026 or October 2027?
I originally thought it would obviously be the former but, if that's the case, how would I be able to talk about the stuff I do in my gap year on my application? Everyone stresses the importance in actually doing relevant things in gap years but surely it would be impossible to even mention them in my PS/reference if I have to send off my application by October this year.
Is the point about doing relevant and productive things on gap years to have a good chance at acceptance when reapplying mistaken?
Would very much appreciate it if somebody could enlighten me here.
I originally thought it would obviously be the former but, if that's the case, how would I be able to talk about the stuff I do in my gap year on my application? Everyone stresses the importance in actually doing relevant things in gap years but surely it would be impossible to even mention them in my PS/reference if I have to send off my application by October this year.
Is the point about doing relevant and productive things on gap years to have a good chance at acceptance when reapplying mistaken?
Would very much appreciate it if somebody could enlighten me here.
Hello,
If you’re planning for a gap year then yes, you would send your application in October 2026 until Jan 2027.
If you want to talk about the opportunities that you did/will do in your gap year, you would go on it the same way students who defer university for a year to redo their exams would do it. Talk about your future aspirations, what you plan to do in your gap year and how does this relate to your course. On the other hand, you also don’t need to talk about your gap year at all.
-Sarah (Kingston Rep)
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