OP, if they didn’t like what they saw as a junior why would a year make a difference? And if you do think it would make a difference, why not take the year to mature, have ample time for all your testing, visits, etc. so you’re giving what is likely your one shot at these applications the best chance you can give it?
BTW, it’s not just Penn, but most very selective STEM programs recommend Math 2 and either Chem or Physics subject tests, even for ACT takers. If you wanted to be an English major it probably wouldn’t matter, but for STEM it’s expected.
It’s a NYS regulation that all colleges have to have proof of high school equivalency before they can award a degree. Most seem to require it before they allow students to matriculate. Check the admission requirements of the colleges you’re interested in before you apply.
<<<
I believe I can take the ACT as many times as I want and colleges only see my highest score and don’t know how many times I took it.
<<<
?
No, that’s not true.
Besides, if you’re applying ED this fall, you’re only going to have a few chances to take it anyway.
<<<
will have one shot at ACT and one at subject tests for EA/ED. You can problably get a second test in for RD.
<<<
There is an ACT exam in Sept, Oct, Nov and Dec.
SAT or SAT subject in Oct, Nov and Dec.
For EA/ED, can’t you take both the Sept and Oct ACT? And for RD, you could also take the Nov and Dec
For SAT/Subject, you could take the Oct Subject and some ED schools accept Nov, and for RD also take SAT in Nov and Dec.
I think it’s extraordinarily unlikely that you will be accepted to these top tier schools out of hs with no diploma. I think for that to happen you need to be a standout among standouts, and I don’t see that in your record. Then if you apply the following year I don’t know whether having been rejected once puts you at a disadvantage. I don’t think schools will somehow be impressed simply because you are applying as a junior. I’m not even convinced you will get in after another year of hs–3.8 isn’t that high and if you “hate” the PSAT I’m assuming you didn’t ace it and won’t be NMSF?
I think they will be looking for truly exceptional achievement and a compelling reason why you need to enroll there to keep learning. I say all this because I know someone who was accepted at a top tier school without a hs diploma; arguably one of the top students in the country and someone who clearly could not further their education without enrolling.