I'm forced to take a gap before uni, how will it affect me?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the implications of taking a gap year before university, particularly in the context of mandatory military service. Participants explore concerns about how this gap may affect university admissions, especially for prestigious institutions in the UK, US, and Canada.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses concern that a gap of 1 year and 4 months due to military service might discredit their academic achievements when applying to universities.
  • Another participant suggests that taking a year out should not be problematic for most UK universities, indicating that they typically allow deferrals.
  • A question is raised regarding the policies of top universities in the US concerning gap years.
  • Another participant advises checking university websites for specific gap year policies, providing links to resources for further information.
  • One participant speculates that most universities will be understanding of mandatory military service requirements in the applicant's home country.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that a gap year due to military service is likely to be understood by universities, particularly in the UK. However, there is uncertainty regarding the policies of top US universities, indicating that multiple views remain on this topic.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference specific universities and their policies but do not provide definitive answers regarding the impact of a gap year on admissions to prestigious graduate programs.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals considering a gap year due to mandatory service, prospective university students, and those interested in university admissions policies.

FlyingPhysicist
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Hi. I am an 18-year-old guy who graduated HS last July with an average of 88%. I studied AP Physics C, AP Calculus AB and took a uni-level class in Energy physics, among other science and engineering related courses like Java programming, Autocad and Inventor. I Also worked with my country's national space agency, got interviewed on TV for my HS graduation project and reached the finals of the largest science fair in my country. But now I have to take a 1 year and 4 months gap before I am able to continue my education because of my country's obligatory military service program. I was wondering if taking such a long gap would affect my chances of getting into a good university because now I feel that all the hard work I put in would be discredited by top universities because of the large gap I'm forced to take.
I was also wondering if it matters where I study physics as an undergrad given that I wish to continue into grad school after my bachelors.

I got admitted to the following universities in the UK so far and was wondering if they would qualify me to get into a prestigious grad school.
1. Durham University
2. University of Birmingham
3. Lancaster University
4. University of Nottingham

I plan to apply to other schools in Canada and the US next year too, so if you could recommend me good institutions I would greatly appreciate it.

Sorry for the long post, and thank you very much in advance.
 
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Taking a year out should not be a problem for most UK universities. Normally they will allow you to defer entry for a year.
 
CWatters said:
Taking a year out should not be a problem for most UK universities. Normally they will allow you to defer entry for a year.
What about top universities in the US?
 
I would suspect that most places will understand if your country has a mandatory military service requirement.
 

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