I spent my freshman year at a reputable college here in the states, but due to a few factors, primarily a major depressive episode, I did not do very well despite my high level of potential. I am now looking to apply to schools overseas and am wondering that if I do not send my transcript will they have a way of finding out. I know that colleges here in the US do have a way of knowing but am interested to know if the same applies for those abroad. Please do not lecture me on how this is wrong, I am a smart and very capable student whose mental health prevented me from performing my best and feel that this should not hinder me from going back to school. Really just want to know if this would be worth a shot, thanks!
The National Student Clearinghouse does not indicate that they do business abroad.
OK, I’ll bite.
If you apply as a gap year student who has never been to college you apply with your HS stats. So the first question is: do you have the stats for the university program you would like to apply for? The question rests on the assumption that you have done the homework to know 1) what course you would like to do and 2) what the international universities you would like to attend require for admission.
I won’t lecture you on how right or wrong it is to pretend that you didn’t spend a year in college, but I will point out that going to university in another country has a lot of challenges, and they don’t do American-style support: you are expected to fend for yourself. Even students who are experienced travelers, are flexible by nature, and in a course they love have moments when they feel sad and lonely. IMO it is a high risk strategy for a student who has had depression issues to take on that big of a challenge without a support system.
You are probably expecting your parents to pay for this adventure. How do they feel about your plans?