chaskins

I'm going to be a senior this year (that is, if I end up attending school this year anyway) but I have to leave the U.S. in the middle of my school year for a least 3 months because of immigration. It's not something I can postpone or even change.
The thing is, if I attend school this year, I most will finish the first semester but I'd completely miss the the second semester. So, by the time I return, I'd have to attend both the first semester (again) and the second semester because AP classes run the entire year.
I think taking a gap year in between my junior and senior would be most beneficial for me since by the time I come back, immigration would be all sorted out and I wouldn't have trouble applying for financial aid from colleges.

However, what would colleges think if I do this? Is it looked down upon? Has anybody else done this?

I have pretty good stats from my freshman year up to my junior year (2/220 class ranking) 4.4 weighted GPA, 3.95 Unweighted, 30 on ACT (I'm retaking for the first time in Sept.) and I've taken a lot of AP classes, so when I return from my Gap year, I'd like to apply to the IVY Leagues, U of Chicago, Sarah Lawrence, Tufts University, Northwestern. But would I still have a decent chance of getting entry?

What else do you guys think I should do? I feel like I'm running out of options. :/

Also, would taking a gap year affect my high school stats in any way?

Davidabb84

During your application, you will be asked if your enrollment in high school has been noncontinuous. When you answer "Yes," you'll be asked to explain.

Since you have a legitimate reason, you shouldn't be "looked down upon" at all as long as your explanation is clearly written. When you return to school, your counselor can address this in a letter to the colleges as well.

Also, this can be a great chance to boost your application. Find somewhere to volunteer while you're still in the U.S. and/or find a job.

As for stats, it really shouldn't. But make you do some review from junior year before you start senior year classes again so you're not behind.

M's Mom

Talk to your guidence counselor - it may be possible for you to graduate a semester early or to finish any credits you need on-line. You can also self-study for any AP classes you care about and take the test as well - students at schools without AP do this all the time as do home-schoolers. Last option - check if home schooling possible for your final semester, especially if you only need one or two courses to graduate.

And no, it won't hurt your application. Just explain the situation. You are not the first student who has had immigration issues that required an interruption in your education.

chaskins

@DavidSSabb94- Thanks. You have no idea how much stress you just alleviated.

@M's Mom: I already talked to them about taking classes online. My counselor told me that they didn't offer AP classes online and they only offered online classes to students who had a health issue as for why they couldn't the attend reg. high school. :/ I could definitely graduate before I leave since I only need 15 credits to do so, but then I wouldn't be taking the pre-req courses for college (i.e. 4 years of English, 4 years of Math, etc) needed.
Furthermore, if I self-study for the AP tests, the classes wouldn't go on my transcripts and I'd rather take the classes and get college credit for them than just leave it all up to a test to determine whether I get credit or not.