<p>I'm a canadian sophomore hoping to transfer to Yale next year (yes, international transfer into an ivy...hell's temperature has been known to fall below zero) and long story short, aftera year and a half of full course loads I'm strongly thinking of taking the upcoming winter 08 semester off. I want to use that time to work, pass my SATs (its required by Yale and the Quebec system doesn't provide it during high school), and hopefully do an internship at a great advertising company.</p>
<p>Now my question is: Is this a bad idea? How will it be looked upon? Favorably, unfavorable, perhaps its not even a factor.</p>
<p>Regardless, should I still write a letter to explain this?</p>
<p>From what I have read (I can't source it, so you should probably email Yale), colleges don't generally accept standardized test scores that you take once you're in college. Definitely email them and find out what their policy is on that, because you may not end up taking it at all.</p>
<p>I don't know if taking time off is necessary. Most people freak out (hence your "dreaded") but for a student such as you who intends to apply to Yale, I don't think you're going to have a problem losing momentum, etc. If you're taking time off and doing something important to you then it will do you some good in both the short and long run. I don't think it will be a disadvantage as long as you are doing it with intent, and DO keep yourself busy. Just dropping out won't be a good thing because Yale will see you as a liability. But if you're dropping out to (spend six months saving up money cos you need it, or spend a semester doing an internship, volunteer work, something important to YOU) then I think you'll be okay.</p>
<p>As for the off semester, I know that on a personal level I won't lose any momentum but I'm wondering how Yale (or other colleges) would look upon the taking of an off semester.</p>
<p>
[quote]
From what I have read (I can't source it, so you should probably email Yale), colleges don't generally accept standardized test scores that you take once you're in college.
[/quote]
NOT A TRUE STATEMENT. It depends on the college. Check their website or call.</p>
<p>It is my guess that taking time off for valid reasons will not hurt you, but that is a guess. Again, I would suggest contacting the school's transfer admissions specialists (or general admissions staff, if they don't have specialists) and ask.</p>
<p>do what makes you happy. if you need time off to meet your goals, then go for it. i would also recommend applying to a broad range of schools (in terms of ranking). i took a semester off and did lots of neat things, and got into 4/5 schools i applied to. i did explain to them through the application my motives for taking time off. as long as your reasons are valid and that you have strong motives for transferring, you'll be just fine. good luck!</p>