<p>hmmm. . .before I got to the financial aid package I was going to suggest you go to Lewis & Clark. Previous poster was correct about the size and quality of the school allowing a top student there to build the kind of profile and recommendations that will get him/her into grad school.</p>
<p>Whatever happened to Reed? They have a stellar track record getting their grads into grad school programs.</p>
<p>Bottom line: I don’t see what a year off will get you, unless you recalibrate your apps. That could get you acceptances at places like Kenyon and Occidental, particularly if you do use ED. If the money is good I would put in a deposit at Western, with the goal to knock out a 4.0. This would put you in good shape with grad schools and perhaps give you a shot at transferring elsewhere after two years. And I would stay on the waitlist at Grinnell and Macalester and see what happens.</p>