<p>We are waiting on our ED letter from DS's "great match" school. If the unthinkable happens, I think we might be facing a gap year.</p>
<p>Do kids normally receive as much financial aid in cases like this?</p>
<p>It depends if the school offers need-based or merit-based aid. If it's need based it won't matter. If it's merit based..i don't know</p>
<p>Need-based aid will depend on your tax return for 2007. It's calculated each year. If your student is fortunate enough to work a $30,000 job during their gap year, of course they won't get the same need-based aid as they would have if they had volunteered fulltime.</p>
<p>You student can negotiate with the school to have their merit aid guaranteed after the gap year. I know someone who did that.</p>
<p>I recently got accepted into the school I always wanted to attend, Babson.</p>
<p>The financial aid was the same, except that since I work full-time now, I was able to file as independent. My Fin. aid package was awesome, but i do have an outstanding situation.</p>
<p>working full time won't affect dependent status, but having a dependent of your own, being married, being 24 & or a veteran will
D didn't work during her gap year ( not for pay) she applied to an additional school and received a good need based package ( they didn't offer merit)</p>
<p>Can you use the Ntl Merit Scholar Finalist awards (school based) if you take a gap year?</p>