<p>Happily, I've been accepted to both colleges, and am just wondering about what I should do next year. I have not applied to Americorps.
I've visited Wellseley and Grinnell. I loved them both the same. But by the time I left after my overnights at both, I felt like something was wrong. As if college wasn't for me.
But let's be logical, college is incredibly important for almost any job out there, so I understand that I should and will go. But the question is when.
I'm thinking instead of doing a Gap Year with Americorps, which would mean that I would be behind a year when it came to college graduation (though if I went to Grinnell I would have close to a semester of AP Credit.) I would be willing to do community college on-line classes to finish on time, if the schools would accept the credit. The reason why graduating when my class does is simply because I'm already a year older, 18 last august, and it's always bothered me.
Why I want to do a gap year:
At the beginning of last year, I was strongly considering graduating yearly, as I chafe against strict authority. I just chickened out, deciding I was above community college for a year (which is such bull!) So I stayed and took a heavy AP route this year, and regretted it most of the time.
I also am heavily committed to helping others in tangible ways, since I've done week long service trips with my mother's church. As a Co-prez of our human rights club, I'm constantly reminded of how much I have (upper middle class midwest suburb mostly white high school) while there are children roofless and hungry.
I'm considering Art History as my course of study, and I'm just tired of sitting around and reading about stuff, even if it's about a genocide or hunger or women's education. I want to fix the situations, not be part of the silent cause.
Money is an issue, since I'd be on my own for paying for another gap year project. So if you know of any cheap ones, let me know! Insurance is not because of Obamacare.
If I've forgotten something, fire away</p>
<p>Defer from either Wellesley or Grinnell, and go for the gap year! It’s rather common for college students to take a year off somewhere in there. You would have to check at either college if they would let you take college credit elsewhere during your gap year though. The last thing you want to be is “unfocused” when you enter the college class room.</p>
<p>At Wellesley, there is the Davis Scholar Program for women > 24 who haven’t received their bachelor degree yet. Therefore, you will hardly be the oldest student in the classroom. </p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>Are you sure that having an interesting, productive summer couldn’t cure what “ails” you? Summer community service projects abound, and then you would graduate on track with your peers (since that seems to concern you).</p>
<p>As to whether you should choose Grinnell or Wellesley, no one would dispute that Wellesley has greater prestige and name recognition. Grinnell is also pretty remote, whereas Wellesley is only a shuttle bus ride from Boston/Cambridge. I don’t believe Grinnell has any other schools nearby (correct me if I’m wrong), while there are lots of other schools near Wellesley, and you can cross-register at MIT, Olin and Babson.</p>
<p>At the same time, my understanding is that Grinnell brings in an amazing number of performers, lecturers, etc., so life on campus is pretty exciting. Wellesley seems to have fewer happenings on campus. If you’d like easier access to guys, Grinnell. Cleaner bathrooms and toilet seats always down: Welles. Are your financial aid packages similar? That could be an important factor to weigh. Do you suffer from hay fever/allergies? With farmlands around, Grinnell will undoubtedly have more pollen and allergens. Wellesley has a policy of grade deflation (not that it necessarily jeopardizes grad school admissions, but grade deflation is still a reality). If you need straight A’s to feel good about yourself (as some people do), you probably shouldn’t go to Wellesley.</p>
<p>No matter which school you choose, however, you’re sure to get a GREAT education. Best wishes in whatever you decide!</p>