<p>I'm a canadian sophomore hoping to transfer to Columbia next year (yes, international transfer into an ivy...hell's temperature has been known to fall below zero) and long story short, after a 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 Columbia 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>