<p>Okay, I haven't posted on here for forever, being busy during the school year with the IB Diploma, college admissions, social life. etc. But now that I have graduated and received my IB Diploma, I have a lot of questions about my future college plans.</p>
<p>First, I applied to many selective schools such as Yale, Princeton, Columbia, and Georgetown. While I was denied from the first 2, I was waitlisted and eventually denied from the latter 2 among others. I got into a few other schools, some of which were too expensive, and am ready to go off to my safety school (state flagship). Despite it having good academics, I never saw myself going to a huge, public school. I've always dreamt of going to a more prestigious, academically rigorous place with a student body more like myself (that type a personality, top 10% in high school, leader of clubs type of student..)</p>
<p>Anyways, when I got my IB Diploma results, I was happy to see that I got a 40 out of 45 total. While I should be proud of my accomplishments, I feel a bit bummed as if my diploma scores would have made me stand out a bit more during the college admissions process. While the IB Diploma obviously doesn't work miracles, I wonder deep down if colleges knowing my perfect 6/7 scores would have helped me gain admission and shown how much I truly knew and was prepared for the tough academics of college. </p>
<p>Furthermore, I also have always dreamt of going to school abroad in England because I love the country, but never went through with applying to any schools out there. I wonder now if I should take a risk, go off the beaten path, and maybe take a gap year and apply to schools again next year. A lot of students in the Uk take a gap year and start university at 19, so its not like I'd be behind if I did go abroad. I also have many personal reasons why I'd like to take a gap year which I won't get into, but there are quite a few logical and good reasons why I should, and not just to gain worldly experiences working/volunteering...that sort of thing. I also know that IB is highly regarded more so in UK admissions than US admissions, and like I have a better shot over there. </p>
<p>My question is....is it worth it? I'm already enrolled in college, went to summer welcome, and my parents think I have moved on; however, I worry that I will never be able to get over this unless I do the whole college admissions process over the way I always wanted to and now can because I have my IB results which help a lot in UK admissions.</p>
<p>Am I crazy for thinking this? Am I unknowingly on the verge of throwing my life away for a pathetic dream and desire to NOT go to college this year. I feel like its too late to do anything about it now, and like nobody will understand. Its like people expect me to not take a gap year because I was valedictorian and whatnot, but I just want a chance to go to a better school for me and one far away in the UK...I don't know how to explain it, but I feel like I won't be happy stuck at my current college, and I never should have kept my dream of going abroad a secret...</p>
<p>Any advice whatsoever?</p>