<p>I wasn't sure where to put this but this seems appropriate.
Last year I went to Germany with CBYX and I got back about a month ago. Tomorrow I am going to meet with my counselor because I haven't registered yet. My problem is that I want to repeat because it was more of a cultural experience than an academic; German school was really hard and I didn't learn much because my German wasn't good for most of the year. I have some papers with grades but they reflect nothing. I am pretty sure I could get credit but that means I'd have to take online classes and squish my senior and junior year together, and I think that wouldn't be anyone's potential of what one could learn.
I think the advantages of repeating would be more AP classes, more courses in general, I wouldn't be rushed to graduate, and I could have more time to prepare for applying to college. Would colleges disapprove of repeating?</p>
<p>I'm aware that I would feel sad or something about my class going ahead but all of my friends are in college anyway. My year abroad was worth it even though I didn't learn much academically, and if repeating is a good option I can accept it. I had a year for learning about myself and another culture, therefore I think of going on to my junior year would be more like continuing my American schooling. My only worry is that if colleges see repeating as a negative action. So, I would like to know what everyone thinks =]</p>
<p>I believe you are making the right choice but I honestly have no idea what colleges would think of this, this seems like an appropriate “ask the dean” question.</p>
<p>I don’t think there is anything wrong with doing a mid high school gap year to go on exchange. My D13 took 6 years to finish high school because she did the above to be a Rotary exchange student, then won a two year boarding school scholarship after her junior year back in the states. No negative impact on college admissions. She got into every school to which she applied including some highly selective LACs. My S15 just returned from a NSLIY year. He would have graduated with the class of 2014 if he hadn’t spent this year abroad. No worries! Colleges love to see students like you!</p>
<p>I agree with Jamcafe, be sure to take AP German and/or the fall German SAT II, to demonstrate your proficiency. Exchange also makes a great essay topic. My kids scored 5s in their respective languages after their years abroad. I expect you will, too. It also helps that CBYX is a selective scholarship program. I think that carries more weight in college admissions than a paid exchange.</p>
<p>Thanks everyone! It’s good to hear advice.
I’m only advised against it because my friends don’t want me to… But it is nice to hear unbiased views! :D</p>
<p>Yeah, I think it makes much more sense for you to repeat the year. And travelling abroad makes you an interesting and unique person, which is great for apps! :)</p>