<p>Alright, so I called IU again today, and it looks like Im not going to get very much $ at all, so now Im considering doing a gap year. If I did this, I can help pay for my education, re-take tests if I have to (and maybe getting more scholarships by having better test scores), and get direct admit into Kelley (cant get direct admit for spring). The biggest reason why I want to do this though is to save money. The only bad thing that I can think of by doing a gap year is the long wait, but I'll get over it. What do u guys think about this plan?</p>
<p>I think it would be great! You don't want to be starting college in the spring, because you'd be trying to make friends when all the cliques have been formed, don't get to do all the freshman activities, and miss out on a lot of stuff. Going with the class of 2007 would be better.</p>
<p>Now before you do this, did you ask them if funds differ for Spring applicants than Fall applicants? If their answer is no, then you may want to take a gap year just to explore other options as well. Look at backup plans in case the IU faculty award doesn't come through for you, you're from CA and there are literally a TON of in-state oppurtunities for you, even if it means going to SoCal (lol, I know how much you'd like that). </p>
<p>Also ask about transfer scholarships, because you may want to go to your local CC during the time you are taking your gap, and get some college credits in. That way you can kill 2 birds with one stone.</p>
<p>I didnt even think about all the freshman activities and finding friends. Ya Im definitely going to ask them if aid differs each semester. But actually there are barely any options for me as a finance major in Ca, UCs dont have it, only CSUs, but I am NOT going to a CSU. I already thought about doing a transfer thing alot. The only reason I dont want to do that is because I wont receive many scholarships, I wont be at IU for a full 4 years, again the freshman and friend thing, and just because I want to get situated as a freshman. Thanks A2Wolves. Any other opinions out there?</p>
<p>Have you considered doing this in Indiana? Like in Indianapolis? I'm not sure how residency plays out, but it may very well be possible to get residency after a year. Make sure you get your Indy drivers license - make indications that you plan to stay in Indy. At least its worth checking into.</p>
<p>I would talk to the Admissions folks and see what they have to say. They may be able to tell you if you would get more aid that way. It may also be possible for you to take some cc classes without having to apply as a transfer. My son took some cc classes while in high school and was able to get credit for them at IU. (However, once you graduate from high school, the rules may change.) If you do take some cc classes, check with IU first to make sure they will transfer. There is a page somewhere on the IU website where you may be able to get some of this info, but it would probably be best to consult the Business School, since that is what you plan to major in. Even if you plan to stay at IU four full years, a few classes already out of the way would allow you to get more electives in, or to take lighter loads.</p>
<p>Whether a gap year is best for you is something I cannot answer. If you do take it, make sure to make good use of the time by working, taking classes, doing volunteer work, or some other plan that moves you a little closer toward your career goals.</p>
<p>I thought that if u take cc classes after u have graduated you would be considered a transfer? I'll look into it. And about the residency thing, even if I left right now to live in Indy, it would not even be at least a year before I apply for the fall of next year. Thanks guys.</p>
<p>I really don't know the rules about cc classes. I know it is different once you graduate from high school. However, it may be possible to take a small number and not be considered a transfer. You would have to talk to someone in Admissions to be sure.</p>
<p>Yup, just talked to them today and they said that if u take cc classes after u graduate, u would be considered a transfer. And they said transfers will not be considered for fin aid. Also, I asked if fin aid differs from fall semester to spring, and they said that some committee determines how much will be given away for the whole year, they start giving most of it away in november-ish to the fall applicants. And since I just applied only a few months ago, there was none left for me. I talked to my dad today about a gap year and he seemed to like the idea. Especially since I'll be makin money the whole year.</p>
<p>I think a gap year is definitely the right way to go. You will get a bigger award in the fall, and you will get all of the "freshman experience". Just make sure to keep yourself busy!</p>
<p>Ya definitely, thanks guys for all of your responses.</p>
<p>Hey tripp--
That incredibly generous faculty award of 1K that my S. was offered is now up for grabs...LOL!!!!
He's had some really bad luck with the big state U's this year.</p>
<p>$1,000?!?! Wow thats sad. But I guess thats better than my big fat $0 award I got. But since I am basically starting my admission process over again, Im going to be applying to some new schools, but Indiana is still my #1 choice. Do u guys have any suggestions for new schools for me just to take a look at?</p>
<p>Refresh our memories. Besides a finance major, what are you looking for in a school? Something similar to the Big 10 college scene, or are you open to other types? If scholarships are important to you, S. received some nice merit awards from the LAC's, but he also was looking to play collegiate athletics so that type of school was a better fit for him all around.</p>
<p>Things Im lookin for:</p>
<ul>
<li>Very good recruitment like Indiana</li>
<li>A bigger college, +/- a little of Indiana's size </li>
<li>Good ranking of finance and business overall</li>
<li>A football team (but not to play in, but still important)</li>
<li>Big intramural sports scene</li>
<li>Tons of clubs to choose from</li>
<li>Not too expensive</li>
<li>Can be in or out of state</li>
</ul>
<p>Trip, Ohio State awarded my son even more money than Indiana. They gave him $26,400. Valparaiso U. is a smaller school, so I don't know if you're interested in that, but they gave my son $ 32,000. Both were merit scholarships, just like Indiana.</p>
<p>Ya OSU was my #1 choice before I found out about Indiana. They gave me over $30,000, which was huge. I really liked that school. Maybe I will re-apply to them too. Im also thinkin about Texas.</p>
<p>Look at Finance rankings, then look at schools and ask 1) Would I like it here? 2) Can I get in? and 3) Can I afford it? That should help you develop a list. Don't rely solely on IU giving you the money if you decide to gap and do it all over again. Also, with your stats, you could even shoot for other B-Schools too.</p>
<p>Trip, don't forget to factor in the cost of travel in looking at schools.</p>
<p>Thats true, but I dont really know how much traveling costs.</p>
<p>Trip, you might just want to call a couple of airlines to get the rate. If you consider flying home for Thanksgiving, winter break, and spring break, and flying back to school again, you might be spending money on airfare that you could be putting toward tuition. </p>
<p>I would think that would be a good thing to know as part of the equation in making a decision.</p>