I start my junior year on Monday and am enrolled in 3 APs, two honors classes, and the school newspaper (which requires 2-3 hours after school every Mon + Tues before an issue comes out plus homework for articles, etc). Compared to soph year, which was all honors and one AP, my workload will be considerably more difficult and I expect 4-5 hours of homework per night.
I’m considering taking a year off from varsity swimming to focus on my academics and club swimming. I would continue to swim club (which I do after season is over), and return to HS during senior year. I have an anxiety disorder that is manageable out of swim season for HS, but due to the fact I train morning + afternoon for a total of 22 hours a week, it sends me into a tailspin because I am perfectionistic with my personal schoolwork and athletic performance. Sophomore year was very difficult for me to manage so I am worried about my impending junior year. (And no, I’m not planning on swimming in college - can’t imagine what I’d do then haha).
I know, I know - many kids balance varsity sports + 5 APs or whatever, but seeing as my situation is different, I would appreciate some input. Would it ruin my chances at schools like Stanford, ND, Northwestern, etc. if I took a year off? I know admissions officers wouldn’t see a year off and reject me right away, but what are your thoughts?