I'm thinking about taking a gap year before starting college and I'm concerned about scholarship opportunities. Do schools generally offer scholarships to students who take a gap year? Would love to hear from anyone who has experienced this!
Absolutely, there's no need to worry! Scholarship opportunities don't necessarily disappear just because you opt to take a gap year. In fact, many colleges and universities, as well as independent organizations, do offer scholarships to students who've taken a gap year. Here are a couple of points to consider:
- Institutional Scholarships: If you've already been accepted to a college, it would be wise to communicate with the school about your gap year plans. Some colleges might allow you to defer not only your admission but also any institutional aid you have been awarded. However, this varies from school to school, so make sure to ask.
- Independent Scholarships: Plenty of external scholarships exist for all types of students, gap year students included. Start by searching through scholarship databases, like Appily, and look specifically for gap year or non-traditional student scholarships.
Remember, it's important to continue applying for scholarships during your gap year. Look for due dates and ensure that you don't miss any deadlines just because you're not currently in school.
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