Hello Everyone!
I am 17, and I am currently studying abroad with the CVYX program, a program that awards students a full scholarship to study in Germany for one year. I am so thankful for this opportunity to get to learn about another language and culture, But I am also stressed out about applying to college while studying abroad. A few facts about this year, that may be helpful:
1.) I am spending my senior year abroad.
2.) I will never officially graduate high school. This means that I will not receive a GED or a Diploma. (This is because of complications with my old school resulting from my decision to accept the opportunity to study abroad.)
3.) I don’t know who to ask for the mid-year and final reports required on College Apps.
4.) Same goes for recommendation letters.
5.) My SAT and ACT scores were good, but not astounding. I might not be able to take either one again.
6.) Essays are confusing.
Any advice would be extremely appreciated! I do not know where to begin with the complicated process of applying to college!
I am sorry! I made a typo. It is the CBYX program, not CVYX.
Sounds like maybe you burned some bridges in you study abroad decision process with your old school? You should check with colleges you are interested in, but you may need to either take the GED, graduate from the school you are attending abroad, or suck it up and go back to your old school to ask what it would take to graduate (will they take any of the coursework from abroad? Are you missing graduation requirements?). You may want to treat this study abroad year as a sort of “gap year” taken early, and go back to HS to complete your graduation requirements when you get back.
if you are attending a high school in Germany, they would be able to fill out mid year and final reports. I personally would email teachers at your old HS for recommendations (honestly, recommenders from other cultures are often very honest about your flaws in a way that U.S. teachers aren’t, which could put you at a disadvantage).
The SAT is offered worldwide. If you aren’t happy with your scores, try to figure out a way to retake.
I think your biggest obstacle is that you probably need to graduate or get a GED.