Thoughts on taking a gap year after my freshman year?
Pros for gap year:
>recently found out my financial aid is decreasing for the Fall 2017 semester, making it barely affordable.
>didn't really like it there. Made a few friends but overall just didn't like the vibe. It's a very introverted engineering school in the North-east.
>my mental health is about to hit rock bottom. It's been in decline for the past 5 years, my depression is hitting critical levels, I'm not joking. I don't know what will happen if I try to grind out the next 3 years.
Cons:
>Leaving all my friends
>Will have to start off as a sophomore in 2 years elsewhere.
>Risk not being accepted into a good school again. I consider myself lucky to have even gotten into where I'm currently attending, it's considered a very good engineering school.
>Risk getting an even worse financial aid package.
The last two points are my biggest worry, otherwise taking a gap year would be the clear choice. But I seriously have no idea what to do. So, anyone have any experience with gap years? How would it affect my future?
Also, are there any fees associated with dropping out? I'm not exactly keen on emailing the registrar about dropping out since I'm also in the middle of finaid negotiations...