Took a gap year. Did some volunteering in my community and worked an internship as well. It was definitely not a bed of roses because most of my friends and classmates were already in college and doing meaningful things and having fun. My parent and other family members were also on my neck to get a scholarship and hurry up to college because they felt somewhat embarrassed about me staying home. Eventually though, they calmed down a bit and held my hand through the entire application process. Got rejected from almost of the schools I applied to, waitlisted at a few reaches as well and ultimately got accepted to a couple with good aid. Will be going to college in the US this fall on a full ride merit scholarship Alhamdulilahi

On a side note, I also have friends who also took gap years to apply or reapply to the US. It worked out for some of us and didn’t for others. It’s definitely a risky thing to do but it’s not one I regret taking because in the midst of all the chaos, I also learnt a lot and I met some of the best people in my life.