Due to the virtual nature of the upcoming year, many Princeton University students are considering taking a leave of absence.

Princeton has responded to this by stating that if too many students take gap years, it is not guaranteed that all will be able to return after just one year.

We understand that Princeton has many concerns related to space and housing, and that it would be difficult to let everyone who wants to take a leave of absence return after one year.

However, there is a very simple solution to this. Princeton should allow everyone to declare if they’re considering taking a gap year by the August 1st deadline. Then, Princeton can shortly decide (by lottery or whatever means they had planned) which students will be allowed back after one year, and who will have to wait longer. Students should be informed of the number of years they will need to take off before making their final decisions.

Covid-19 has caused a tremendous amount of stress in students' lives, much of it out of Princeton's control. However, the University has total control over the implementation of this decision. The current policy only amplifies the uncertainty students are facing. We encourage Princeton to help alleviate it instead.