Gap Year Information

Gap Year Info

Current LMU Students

Current LMU students interested in taking a leave from the University should complete the Leave of Absence Form. The form can be found here.

New LMU Students

Loyola Marymount University considers requests from new undergraduate students who wish to take a gap year in order to pursue specific educational opportunities that will enhance their LMU experience. Admitted applicants may also seek an academic postponement for military service, required religious observance, or medical reasons.

Please be aware that the deadline to apply for a gap year is July 1. The Committee on Admission will review your request and communicate a decision as soon as possible. Students may make requests by submitting the Gap Program Request Form.

Students seeking a gap year must pay the enrollment deposit by the deadline indicated in their original admission letter. This enrollment deposit is nonrefundable and will automatically be applied towards the student’s first-semester charges at the University. Merit-based aid awards are not transferable. Need-based recipients are required to resubmit the FAFSA by March 1 of the year in which they plan to enroll.

Please note that admission to special programs, like Honors, is not guaranteed for the future term; candidates must go through the application process for the term in which they plan to enroll.

In seeking a gap year, admitted applicants agree not to enroll in any for-credit or degree-seeking course of study during their deferral year. If an applicant does enroll in such a course of study, admission to the University will be rescinded and the student will need to reapply.

Gap year requests are considered on a case-by-case basis and are not automatically granted. In making their written request, students should share in details their plans for the gap year.

In considering each request, the Committee on Admission consults with the Director and others who are familiar with the admitted student’s academic, personal experiences and goals. After such consultations are completed, the student will receive a formal response by email.

Enrollment deposit

Required enrollment deposit of $1,000 ($500 tuition deposit and $500 gap fee) for gap-semester or gap-year.