Are good scholarships available after a gap year?

I'm planning to take a gap year and want to know if I'll still have access to scholarships once I apply for college. Will a gap year affect my eligibility or the opportunities available?

Absolutely, scholarships can still be available to students after taking a gap year. However, there are a few points you need to keep in mind.

Firstly, some scholarships may have age or "year of high school graduation" restrictions. You should read the terms and conditions of the scholarships you're interested in to make sure you're still eligible after your gap year.

Secondly, institutional scholarships (those provided by the colleges themselves) may have different policies. If you’re considering taking a gap year after being accepted to a college and receiving an institutional scholarship, contact the college's financial aid office to ask if you can defer the scholarship for a year.

Moreover, during your gap year, you can still apply for scholarships. There are scholarships specifically designed for gap year students. So taking a gap year may actually open up more scholarship opportunities for you!

Lastly, remember to fill out the FAFSA each year you're planning on being in school. Your Student Aid Index (SAI), which determines your federal financial aid eligibility, might change after a gap year, especially if your financial situation changes.

In summary, taking a gap year does not automatically disqualify you from scholarships. It's crucial to stay organized and proactive about researching and applying to scholarships during this time. Good luck with your plans!