<p>^^^ Can someone please answer that?</p>
<p>No they won't.
I also applied out of a gap year (I only hit upon the idea of studying in the USA at the beginning of my senior year and I had to take a gap year anyway because of military obligations in my country).</p>
<p>More and more US colleges, especially the most selective ones, allow or even recommend (like Harvard, for example) their admitted students to defer enrollment for one year. So I don't think that colleges have a problem with gap years. Also, I asked the regional admissions officers of some of the colleges I applied to, and they all said that it's definitely possible to apply out of a gap year. Apparently many successful applicants have done so in the past, especially internationals.</p>
<p>I don't think that activities during the gap year can help you a lot though, if it isn't something TRULY stellar and unique (Nobel Prizish, at the least :p). However, my gap year was always a good topic for all of my interviews. I think a gap year can be something great and very valuable even if it doesn't help in terms of college admissions.</p>
<p>Now, I second some posters before me that all colleges on your list are very selective. If I understand you correctly you assumed that you, as an international asking for aid, will have bigger chances at need-blind schools like HYP & MIT. However, this is only a myth. While gaining acceptance to those schools is a lot more difficult for students who don't need financial aid, it is NOT easier for students who do. </p>
<p>Even though it's almost impossible to find safeties (or even matches) for internationals asking for aid, I would strongly recommend to add less selective schools to your list. But check whether they award fin aid to intl's and whether they guarantee to meet 100% of your need.</p>
<p>Benton Scholars, or whatever ajayc received, is a full scholarship+expanded research opportunities at Colgate. Definitely add it to the list.</p>
<p>Elastine: Didn't you say you were waitlisted at 3 schools (which ones?)? 'Cause many schools have started taking kids off their waitlists, and I think you might have a pretty good chance of getting in..</p>
<p>they're supposed to be need blind, but sometimes they aren't.</p>
<p>Which "they"? Not many private schools can afford to be need blind.</p>
<p>
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Benton Scholars, or whatever ajayc received, is a full scholarship+expanded research opportunities at Colgate. Definitely add it to the list.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>I didn't get any 'scholarship'. Its all need-based aid.</p>
<p>Oh OK, sorry then.</p>