Tips for applying to Harvard and other colleges while on a gap year

Hey everyone! Things have been a mess in my life over the past 3-4 months. Unfortunately, I never planned for this and even wanted it to happen but I’m taking a gap year and my parents said to apply to college in Fall 2020. The reason for this is not me but because I will be caring for my grandmother overseas because she isn’t able to come here to the US for treatment. My aunt and I will be caring for her together. My aunt works though which is why I’m needed. My father was okay with this because I’m born in 2003 so I’m a year ahead so he thought that taking a gap year and being in the class of 2025 wouldn’t be an issue. To clarify, I skipped kindergarten. I also felt that I needed to put my family first especially since elderly care is hard to find. My mom proposed that I take the SAT in March to see if I do better and I have started studying for it. I had a 26 on the ACT which is where my application fell but I do think I can do better on the SAT. On top of that I want to take subject tests. I will be trying my best to continue being active while overseas. I spoke to my mentor about what has happened and we agreed to continue working on Python together and spending via Skype so that my work is continued. I will probably be officially filing an LLC this year (that was a part of the plan even without the gap year). My parents said that I could also find a gap year program at a local university.

I’m just scared about my admissions chances for next year. Non of this was by design. I originally applied REA and I had an AMAZING interview. The alums said that they hadn’t ever spoken to anyone with my experience. She mentioned that adults are working on the work I’m doing and that I seemed like someone who would take advantage of the opportunities at Harvard. The other one said that I could be a future asset. The interview was at the Harvard Club in NYC and was only supposed to be 45 minutes but we went on for an hour and a half. Upon first seeing my resume they both said that they had a lot to talk about and upon leaving they both said that they would talk to me more but we had already gone over (obviously). I know the interview doesn’t make or break the decision but I really regret not being in this pool. But like I said, my family comes first. Also, will Harvard keep these interview notes? When I withdrew my application, there was a place to explain why and I explained more specifically why I had to do it. My life has been a mess and I want to get organized for next year. Please give me any tips and suggestions you have for the next couple of months until REA 2025. Thank you!!