<p>I finished all my apps and my financial aid stuff (I think...) and all I have to do is wait for the decisions from the colleges I applied to.</p>
<p>The more I think about it, the less I think I'll be able to get into any of the colleges I really want to go to (UCSC, UCD, UCSB). I really, REALLY don't want to transfer, so I'm thinking about a gap year. I'd probably spend most of the time tutoring English in Korea or something, since there's a little program around my area that does that. I'd get some teaching experience, spend time in the best country in the world (lived 7 years there. Yes, I am EXTREMELY attached XD) and I could get some money for college. Overall, a very sweet deal.</p>
<p>I know absolutely nothing about gap years, so if I could get some info or experiences from people who did have a gap year, that would be fantastic.</p>
<p>I'm not sure I follow, than what will you do to get into the colleges you want to attend?</p>
<p>I'm taking a gap year mostly to make $$, but I deferred my college choice.</p>
<p>I think it's a great thing to do, but if you're not into college maybe you want to do things to get you into your college of choice like address whatever the weaknesses in your app are.</p>
<p>How would I do that, though? Given the chance, I would definitely improve on some of my weaker points, though I can't really do much about my GPA. Academically, I think the only thing I could improve on is the SAT.</p>
<p>I've also heard that you have to resubmit an application during the middle of your gap year for the next semester and whatnot. How does that work?</p>
<p>I'm currently taking a gap year right now on exchange in Thailand. I got in Rice U and deferred enrollment. There are two ways to go with gap years in your case. If you don't get into anywhere and decide to take that gap year, it might hurt you as you have to be competitive (academically) again around application time. It could also help you because top private universities adore students who take a year off to do something worthwhile. Just depends on where you plan to apply again.</p>
<p>If, however, you get into a college you want, definitely take a gap year if you don't mind playing a little catch up at the beginning of freshman year. Gap years, if done well, can be an amazing experience.</p>
<p>Either way, be sure to be prompt on financial aid and other forms because you don't want to be late in submitting them since you're abroad and all.</p>