<p>So, I have some financial aid negotiations to make in the coming weeks. However, I am planning on taking a gap year next year, and I am aware that my aid package will likely change from what I am able to negotiate this year. Should I hold off on negotiations until next year? Should I tell the financial aid office I am planning on deferring?</p>
<p>Since you will have to fill out the FAFSA again next year, any financial aid for next year would be determined first by that FAFSA information. If you won’t be attending school this coming year, it won’t do any good to “negotiate” FA for next year . Your family income could significantly change for better or worse, you could have different assets, etc. I believe you need to tell the school you would like to defer your acceptance by the May 1st deadline. You will get a new FA package next year, after the school has all the new FA information.</p>
<p>I believe colleges and universities have their own deadlines for students to defer enrollment. My daughter was able to pay her deposit by May 1, and then defer for her gap year later than that. Best bet is to ask the college you want to attend when you need to notify them if you want to take a gap year.</p>
<p>Right. I know the notification policies of my school.</p>
<p>I guess what I’m really wondering is if there is an way for me to avoid being committed to a school, done with my gap year next year, and not be able to afford the package they give me</p>
<p>Accepting the admission in other years will also be contingent on the FA package. If you really don’t want to be committed to a school then pull all your apps and reapply next year.</p>