[Life After Taxes]

Really? I grossed 18k'sh this year (all from stipend) and had to pay taxes.

You're right. Federal deduction for a single dependent is 5,600, ~10-11k for single, independent.

[Summer Plans]

For the first half I'll be taking a couple of classes and working the same job that paid the rent during undergrad. Then, being lazy (maybe travel?) for the rest of the summer... ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh.

[Publishing paper while taking year off]

I'm in a similar situation; I have one school left, and while I feel its my best chance there are no guarantees. I am definitely taking more classes to a)keep my job and b)beef up my stat & econ but am trying to desperately to find a research asst. position to help the application process again. This wouldn't be so bad if apps weren't due again in 9mos, not alot of time to overhaul your profile :roll:.