Can Gap Year Students Get Scholarships at Purdue?

I am planning to spend a gap year before starting college and I’m interested in attending Purdue. Are there scholarships available for students who take a gap year, or should I apply for scholarships during my senior year?

Yes, gap year students can still apply for and receive scholarships at Purdue University. However, it's important to keep a few things in mind.

First, you usually apply for scholarships when you submit your application for admission, which typically would be during your senior year of high school. Therefore, if you're considering a gap year, you might want to still apply for admission and any scholarships before you graduate high school.

Then, if you're offered admission, you can ask for a one-year deferral to take your gap year. Most universities, including Purdue, allow for admitted undergraduate students to defer their admission for one year. However, you need to verify with the financial aid office that your scholarships would also be deferred.

Bear in mind that institutional scholarships (those offered by Purdue itself) might have different policies from external scholarships. For some external scholarships, you might need to start college immediately after high school graduation. Always check with the individual scholarship's rules and requirements.

Also, keep in mind that Purdue's financial aid is limited and for the most part is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. The sooner you apply, the better your chances of securing a scholarship.

Let's not forget about scholarship renewal requirements as well. Some scholarships may require continuous enrollment to be renewed each year, so taking a gap year might affect your eligibility in future years.

In summary, while a gap year can be a great experience, it also warrants careful planning from a financial perspective. Make sure to communicate with not only Purdue’s admission office, but also its financial office and the body of any external scholarships you're applying to, so that you have all your bases covered before taking that year off.