NASFAA Mention: How Does Taking A Gap Year Affect College Admissions?

"Is your high school student considering taking a gap year before attending college?  Here’s what students and parents need to know," Your Teen Magazine writes.

"... 3. Make sure you discuss what will happen to financial aid or scholarships.

One of the biggest considerations is whether scholarships will be held for a student’s return to campus. Every college is different, and you’ll need to ask. Some institutions do hold scholarships, but don’t assume! Always check.

Need-based financial aid must be re-evaluated after the gap year. During the gap year, families will file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and for some schools, the CSS Profile, both of which remain similar, financial aid office about what to expect, says Jill Desjean, policy analyst at the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA).

If a gap year program offers college credit, be sure to ask whether the credits will affect any scholarships being help.

The bottom line? Positive outcomes can outweigh the potential wrinkles as long as you do your homework to prevent any unwelcome surprises."

NASFAA's "Notable Headlines" section highlights media coverage of financial aid to help members stay up to date with the latest news. Inclusion in Today's News does not imply endorsement of the material or guarantee the accuracy of information presented.

 

Publication Date: 5/31/2019

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