<p>All the input here is very appreciated. I’ve learned a lot from this thread. I really have my heart set on going to one of the Seven Sisters, hopefully Barnard or Wellesley, which both would be the most affordable of all the schools on my list by far based on the NPC estimates. All of them are extremely competitive, though, and obviously it’s too soon to tell anything. If come April/May nothing turns out well, I’ll revisit the idea of a gap year. Thank you!</p>
<p>You may want to look into other women’s colleges, such as Scripps, Mills, or Agnes Scott. :)</p>
<p>Look at the City Year program as a gap year option. In exchange for working with inner city kids, you get addition a small salary. City Year also offers students (my information is dated so it might be more) $5500 toward college tuition after the student has completed his City Year stint. Some colleges match this amount. It’s not easy to get into City Year and the application process is like applying to college. However, it would be a way to get the additional funds that you’ll need. </p>
<p>Also, since you are interested in Wellesley and Barnard, take a look at Bryn Mawr’s statistics on financial aid (something like 80% of students get need-based aid).</p>
<p>@MYOS1634 I’m applying to Scripps! </p>
<p>@Bromfield2: Thanks, I’ll look into it! And yes, Bryn Mawr is on my list, too. I’d be happy to go to any of them.</p>