Is it a disadvantage to apply to college right after hs graduation, before gap year?

Applying to College
1

<p>Hi, I was hoping someone could shed a little light on my situation and what I should do. I'm a good student, 3.95 unweighted gpa and am taking most of the honors/AP courses offered. I'm concert mistress of my orchestra in school, am a committed member to my church and a few other organizations- (so okay ecs). My problem, however, is that I really feel like I'm not ready to apply to college. </p>

<p>I'm planning on taking a gap year to Costa Rica and Peru anyways, so I was wondering if it would be a disadvantage to apply to college the fall right before I leave for my gap year? My senior year would help me get my only slightly-above-average test scores up, give me time to visit more colleges, and help me focus on my senior academic classes. </p>

<p>I'm stuck right now with my parents because they'd really like me to apply this year and defer, but I'm really worried about my test scores, and feel like I'd have more time next fall. I'd really appreciate any wisdom, thanks so much!</p>

2

<p>Both could make sense, but I’d recommend applying this year, since it’ll be a lot easier to go through the process when you’re still in high school (and still in the country). It might put you at a slight advantage to apply later, but it’ll be a lot simpler to apply earlier, so you just need to decide which is more important.</p>

3

<p>I took a gap year after my senior year too. I honestly wish that I had applied during my year off, as I had no idea where I wanted to go school my senior year and didn’t feel ready to apply to schools either. As a result I ended up applying to a school ED for all the wrong reasons, and not even end up going anyways (partly due to FA problems, but during my whole gap year I wished that I had left my options open to reapply!) Have a great time, my gap year was so beneficial for me, and I’m sure yours will be too!</p>