<p>I want to study abroad my senior year of high school--just the fall semester actually. This means that I'm going to have to apply to colleges while I'm abroad. Could anyone offer me advice or help, or give me a list of all I'm going to need to do before-during-and after my trip?</p>
<p>Thanks so much everyone.</p>
<p>I can’t give you an exhaustive list but my D did this last fall so I can give you some pointers. First, figure out if any schools on your list require/recommend interviews. If so, get those done before you go. Second, arrange for recommendations ahead of time. If your colleges all take the common app, then this is easier. You can see when teachers and guidance counselor do their parts. This is harder if you need individual letters sent (either for schools or scholarships). Third, visit schools ahead of time to help limit your list. It’s better if you can visit while classes are in session, but visit anyway during the summer if you must. Fourth, complete your essay/personal statement for common app (or to be adapted for submission for colleges that use their own prompts.) Can’t emphasize enough how much easier it is having this done prior to September. Fifth, get your testing (SAT/ACT/subject tests) done before you go. Make sure you know which are required for the programs you are considering. Sixth, make sure not to wait until the last minute to complete your applications. Computer issues/ mail issues don’t make a difference to colleges. Seventh, consider rolling admissions or early action so that when you return, or shortly thereafter, you have an admit in the bag. Makes the pressure of returning 2nd semester senior year a lot easier. Eighth- have a great time and emphasize what you are doing in your app. Some schools won’t like it, but the ones where you fit in probably will. PS this is all a lot easier if you have your own computer when you are abroad. Trying to do this using internet cafes (or without reliable Internet access where you stay) is almost impossible.</p>