<p>This year I got rejected from 9 universities and colleges and only got accepted at Westminster College, MO. I do not whether Westminster is a good place to start my undergraduate years or I should take a gap year and work on my SATs. Because this year, my low SAT score got me rejected from every place. What should I do? Take a gap year and work on application or go to Westminster?</p>
<p>Why did you apply to Westminster if you did not think that you would go to it when you get accepted?</p>
<p>Yeah you got a point. I applied to many universities in order to lower the risk factor of not getting accepted any where. Actually, it is a good place but I want to know whether after taking a gap year will I end in a better place or I should take the initiative and move on. I am confused.</p>
<p>If you feel you are ready for the college work, I would say to go now. Just make sure you put effort in to your school work. You could always transfer after a year.</p>
<p>I am ready for college, But I have a doubt in mind after taking a gap year I might end up in a good LAC. That is why I am confused. So the conclusion is, Is Gap year beneficial? If it is how one shall plan it?</p>
<p>I would go to school. Gap years without an academicly pressuring enviro can make anyone go astray. Itll b much easier to study nd transfer than study nd reapply to schools aftr a year</p>
<p>Well, You’re right. But it depends. I know some people who have taken gap year and most of them spent it abroad. When inquiring how was their gap year, they say quite beneficial. I am confused. Yes, many colleges ,from where I got rejected, asked me to re-apply, If I wish to, as a transfer candidate next year. But I am not sure whether, the financial aid package would remain the same, If I plan for a transfer next year. Or it is all a risk?</p>
<p>“But I am not sure whether, the financial aid package would remain the same, If I plan for a transfer next year.”</p>
<p>How much financial aid do you need?</p>
<p>If you need a better aid package, or if you don’t like the place where you have been accepted this year, taking a well-planned Gap Year can be a good idea. Contact Westminster and ask if you can defer your enrollment for a year. That will hold the place for you.</p>
<p>Are you certain that your SAT scores were the reason for your rejection at all of the other institutions on your list? Unless they specifically told you that, you don’t know.</p>
<p>I took a gap year and it benefited me a lot. However, I don’t think using one’s test scores as a reason to take a year off is a good idea. What is your SAT score and why do you think it barred you from acceptance anywhere? Why do you think you could raise it significantly in a year?</p>
<p>Unless your SAT score was extremely low, I don’t think it was the sole deciding factor in your rejections. What I’m trying to say is that if you really want to take a year off to improve your application, you should identify your main weakness correctly, and your test scores may not be it.</p>
<p>Bear in mind that you would have to find other things to occupy yourself with beside preparing for the SAT. It’s not a year-long, full-time commitment.</p>
<p>Ghost yes, you’re right. My SAT score was 1470 :S It was totally unexpected and I dont know what happened to me on the test day. Westminster College fee is $19k and they have awarded me $12k scholarship a year. I guess SAT was one of the main reason of getting rejected.</p>
<p>Until and unless you are sure about a huge improvement in your scores, I wouldn’t suggest a gap year. Even if you get great scores next time, you might not get accepted anywhere. The competition to enter “good” colleges is getting fierce every next year, so, better stick with Westminster. :)</p>
<p>You could also start at Westminster and try to transfer somewhere else assuming you do well. </p>
<p>I read somewhere that you shouldn’t take a gap year to run away from something, but to go toward something. You have been accepted to a college that you thought enough of to apply to, and they think enough of you to award you a scholarship.</p>
<p>I’m inclined to agree with bopper about gap years. A gap year with a purpose, in which you plan to learn or do something, can be a great experience. But does “passing a year while I wait for something” really count as a purpose?</p>
<p>That SAT score is really low, no way around that. I’d work hard at college and transfer, you’re pretty lucky you got a shot somewhere.</p>
<p>Is the SAT score all 3 sections? If it is CR/M I do not consider it low.</p>
<p>Is the $12k merit scholarships or FA?</p>
<p>I’m a parent. My high school son is considering a GAP year. We have been warned that if he will be gainfully employed during the GAP year we should be prepared for different FA outcomes. So, my advice is check the $12k carefully and know what it is for. Also, if you request a year deferment find out if the $12k will apply or if it is lost. </p>
<p>IMO it is easy to feel choices were taken away from you when you only have 1 acceptance, but in reality you controlled the choices of the applications. You initially chose this school. Westminister made the cut for you to send an application - Why? What do you like about it that put it in your top 10? Maybe taking this approach will help you appreciate the school again.</p>
<p>Good luck. I think starting out at Westminster is a good idea. </p>
<p>Hindsight is always 20/20, but I wish your guidance counselor would have advised you to apply to two safety schools so that you had a choice now. In my opinion, GC’s really should tell kids to apply to two safety schools. (An early admit from an affordable rolling acceptance school makes a great safety. Hearing nothing until late March is hard.)</p>
<p>Confidential 2015: Well, A well planned gap year can take you anywhere. Plus I just wont be giving SAT 1 this year , only if I take a gap year, I will also go for SAT 2 as well.</p>
<p>SAT was optional a Westminster College, MO. I guess, thats why I got accepted. Because SAT score really made my application weak.
Longhaul: It was all three components. And yes they awarded me international student scholarship. Well, I was pretty sure to go Wesminster unless one of my class fellows got into pretty good schools, like Harvard, Lafayette, Carleton This made me think that why I shouldnt take a gap year and work on my application and may be things get better.</p>
<p>Sikorsky: Yes, SAT score is very low :(. I want to improve.</p>
<p>Westminster is a good school - go with an open mind and you might just decide to stay there :)</p>
<p>Susgeek: Haha, I am making up my mind. Its just that environment and the study in top LAC’s just keep on pulling me through to take a gap year :P</p>
<p>I can’t speak personally about taking a gap year…with that being said, I would spend that year at the school I got into and at least have a year of classes behind me when I reapply/transfer to the LAC that you have in mind. Like someone already said, you may love your experience at this school and not want to transfer afterall. Good luck!</p>