<p>JeseninFtw – </p>
<p>first – unless your parents are wealthy and willing to pay, please make sure you research US colleges and their financial policies in terms of international students. if a college determines that your parents are capable of paying $40,000 US and they are not willing – even if you are accepted, you will be in the same position next year (not able to attend, just due to finances the second time). Finances are critical! </p>
<p>Second – do your research on schools. If you are determined to attend school in the US, add some schools with slightly higher acceptance rates than Harvard/Yale. (make sure you understand their financial aid policies for international students)</p>
<p>Third – I would highly suggest you accept the position to the selective Drama School. Since many of the schools you mentioned allow you to still apply as a freshman even after a year at an international school, this won’t hurt you. If you take Gap year instead – for the reason that you prefer to attend school in the US – you come across as immature and conceited (not saying you are – but that is what admission’s officers may think). A year at a highly selective school in your country can only help your application – then you can approach the application by saying you need more and that is why you are applying to school in the US.</p>