<p>Over on the parent’s forum there is a current thread titled something like “Disappointment in applications after a gap year” – that might have info for you. </p>
<p>A gap year can be fabulous – or just 52 weeks frittered away. </p>
<p>You can never guess what is in an admissions officer’s mind. You package yourself the best you know how and DO read the websites carefully. Be sure to read the section on transfer students – there should be some statistics on how many applied as freshman and % acceptance and the same for transfer students. </p>
<p>If English is not your first language, see if you can get an educated native speaker to go over your essay and application to pick up any teeny errors. </p>
<p>Good luck!</p>