<p>I am a German high school senior wishing to apply to some US colleges for next year. In Germany people are required to do social service anyway. Now, I might have two options. Either I stay here in Germany in my home city and contribute socially. That is, I take care of some disabled children, for example. The other option would be going somewhere totally else, for example to the Philippines or South Africa. There I would also help and contribute socially.</p>
<p>Now, I am asking myself what to do. I would generally prefer going abroad. I think that this would make me grow much more and I would certainly love the unique experience. It would give me the feeling that I didn't lose a year. However, this option has some major negative aspects: first of all, I want to look for a job, I wouldn't be able to do this abroad. Next, I cannot prepare for college admissions. </p>
<p>Anyway, I just wanted to ask you what you would do. Most importantly, what do you think would admission officers prefer? Would they regard both options equally well?</p>
<p>I think that admissions officers will only care about social service if you can prove you are doing it because you really want to. Also, especially if you go abroad, you need to prove to them that you were doing something substantive there, not just enjoying the scenery. There are many US students who do service programs in exotic locales but do it because they think it looks good for college (which it doesn't because there are too many such students and admissions staff know why they are doing it.) Also, these student frequently don't do that much real work on these programs.</p>
<p>As for the rest, I have two questions.
1. Do you need the money you would make from a job? if so, then that will define your decision
2. Does going abroad mean you will not be able to apply to US colleges for next year? If so, then don't go, you would just lose time when you returned to Germany.</p>
<p>(1) Well, I certainly need money for my studies. This job thing is actually quite important to me. In fact, I was thinking about making up an own company. This certainly sounds sort of crazy at first, but this idea excites me. I don't think I would be able to do this aborad.</p>
<p>(2) Hm well, that's the other question. When does college start, in Septembre/Octobre, right? I need to do 11 months if I am going abroad. It could work though.</p>
<p>Right now I am checking out my options. I mean going abroad would be great for me - as a person.</p>
<p>my daughters college started in August and they end in May
schools which are on semesters, seem to start earlier ( often the private schools)
schools that are on quarters ( often public universities) start in late september and get out in June</p>
<p>My daughter took a gap year- her program started in June and finished in July- there wasn't much time to get ready for freshman year- but in a way that was good, because less time to worry.</p>