<p>I'm looking to take a gap year and when I inquired about whether or not I would be able to keep my merit they said it's on a case by case basis depending on why I want to take a gap year. </p>
<p>I really need to keep my merit and I was wondering what reasons would have them let you keep it and what wouldn't. </p>
<p>I'm basically taking a gap year to prepare my self better for college, get a job to earn some extra money, and to travel abroad. </p>
<p>I'm not looking to lie, but I'd like to know which reason to put better emphasis on in my letter. </p>
<p>Thank you!</p>
<p>Ashley, someone else may have a better answer, but, it seems like you should list ALL the reasons on your letter that specifically relate directly to personal growth and building towards the goal of being very focused and successful in college, perhaps in bullet points (so that it is very easy for the recipient to read). For example, if you're going to work, be very clear what job you have accepted, and tie that back to saving the money to offset college expenses that are not covered by financial aid. If you're traveling abroad, state exactly where you are going, why, and for how long, and what that has to do with preparing for college. </p>
<p>Also check your letter carefully to make sure that an explanation for one activity is not in conflict with explanation for another activity (for example, hopefully money earned working isn't going to be spent on tourist activities abroad, etc.).</p>
<p>Tell the truth, and frame it in a way that makes it easy for the recipient to say "yes" vs. "no" or "maybe".</p>
<p>Having said that, I have no experience with this whatsoever; this is just a best guess. Perhaps someone else can come along and say from experience how colleges make these types of decisions - I wonder if the decision has to be tied directly to finances - for example, if the only people who get to keep the merit aid are those who need the gap year to work to earn more money so that they can afford to attend.</p>
<p>Edited to add: you do want to make sure to open your letter with some expression of appreciation for the merit aid offered, etc. - thank them for it, and perhaps also state your enthusiasm to attend the college, how much you're looking forward to it...</p>
<p>keep in mind that you will be required to file another FAFSA for the next school year -- and will have to include money your earned. If you earn more than $3,000 that will impact your EFC -- so money that was awarded to you based on need may change.</p>
<p>it might be good to check out the financial aid calculators and see what the difference is and also talk with an FA counselor at your college</p>