<p>I’m an international student on a gap year and I was accepted to several great colleges with lots of FA (~$54,000/year everywhere) last month. So it can be done!</p>
<p>I do encourage you to think about taking a gap year if you really cannot see yourself at UCL (and UCL is a great institution!); however, you should be aware that competition for admission to the schools you were shut out of is fierce and you may not fare any better there next year. You will need to consider some less selective universities as well.</p>