Has anyone taken time off during high school? Has it badly affected College admission?
This would be because of illness in family
Colleges usually look at your Junior year of high school and it is the most important time of the year. If you have to take a gap year explain it to them on your essay.
Having a HSer take care of someone should be a last resort. talk to your GC about the fact that you are thinking about staying home to help a family member but realize that is not the best situation for you…can they help refer you to other resources?
Also is there another way you could continue in school but still help out? Online classes? Take the minimum courses?
We did have an exchange student who basically came to the US on a gap year…their courses they took in our HS did not count for their diploma. But they kept up with some academics and learned English.
Your school system may not recognize a high school “gap year” – you could become either truant (depending on compulsory school age in your state) or a “drop out.” (Which doesn’t mean you can’t reenroll later, but you may not be able to get on the same academic path.)
I agree with the advice to talk to your guidance counselor.