Transfer or Gap Year?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Saint Olaf College
1

<p>Hi all,
I am an International Student from Vietnam who did not receive admission to St. olaf College for the class of 2018 this year.
I have been accepted somewhere else with a sufficient financial aid package that allow me to attend. However, since my absolute interest in St. Olaf College doesn't allow me to give up, now I am stuck with 2 options: take a gap year to do it all over again or just attend the other school but will apply as a transfer student in the future.</p>

<p>The biggest problem is, my family can only pay $15-20,000/ year, so i will need a big package. But i have been told that the budget for transfer students (especially international ones) is extremely limited, so it is likely that i will not be able to receive sufficient package as an international transfer student. Is this the case for St. Olaf College?</p>

<p>This brings me to the original question: should I take a gap year or just go on and prepare for future transferring plan? I'm really confused because I'm determined that, eventually I'll be an Ole</p>

<p>Thank you for your precious time,</p>

<p>Phong</p>

2

<p>Hi, I am in the exact same position as you are. I do not want to transfer, as it can be much more competitive. I am hoping to take a year off of school to improve my SAT scores and work more, then reapply early action to my schools.</p>

3

<p>Your best bet is to take the other offer unless it’s automatic for stats and you know you can get it again (may we ask what it is? Is it similar to St Olaf or very different)?
There’s basically NO aid for international transfers (there’s very little for citizens who transfer, too).
So this is a big risk. You may not get another offer that’s affordable next year…</p>