But the OP also said she was interested in top LACs like Williams, Amherst, Barnard. I agree that any school with single digit admissions is a long shot, but based on OP’s grades, test scores, EC’s, and interests, I do think that she is a good candidate for admission for Barnard. And I think that her shift to homeschooling, for the reasons stated, could definitely hurt her chances there. It’s one of those things that raises a red flag and doesn’t seem to have an offsetting benefit (or tip factor).
And I am saying that as the the parent of a Barnard grad who did not follow a traditional academic route. My daughter spent a semester abroad in 11th grade, which wreaked total havoc on her high school schedule. No way about it: it hurt her weighted GPA, and clearly undermined perceived “rigor” of the curriculum.
But she did not make that choice with college admissions in mind. Quite the opposite: she did it with full knowledge and understanding that it could negatively impact college admissions. Her college list was developed and finalized after that experience, with the experience itself factored in when choosing which colleges to apply to. Could it be a hook? If so, which colleges might see it that way?
OP’s plan doesn’t seem to offer that sort of external, college admissions benefit.
But again, maybe the more important question to ask is whether OP should be reevaluating her college goals, and whether the prestige schools she is now considering are the best fit.