Harvard College encourages admitted students to defer enrollment for one year to travel, pursue a special project or activity, work, or spend time in another meaningful way - provided they do not enroll in a degree-granting program at another college. Deferrals for two-year obligatory military service are also granted. Each year, between 50 and 70 students defer their matriculation to the College.
For more thoughts on the advantages of taking time off before college, read the article "Time Out or Burn Out for the Next Generation" written by the William R. Fitzsimmons, Dean of Admissions, Harvard College, Marlyn McGrath Lewis, Director of Admissions, Harvard College, and Charles Ducey, Adjunct Lecturer in Psychology, Harvard Graduate School of Education.