But do this in an informed way. None of our anecdotes are about pure whim, None here mentions the experience as just wanting to travel, “just getting out there,” while also having Ivies and MIT in mind.
You have summer options. And you will be wise to understand the compromises that mat be needed. That may include moderating the tippy top ideas.
You’re a first semester freshman. One grade report, no grades or scores noted. We have no idea what strengths make a tippy top feasible. But you’re willing to upend your hs education for this, change hs…apparently before speaking with the GC. Or identifying a program.
Of course time abroad is valid. But you have other options, including summer programs. You need more than our encouragement, to make a wise decision.