Rising junior considering gap year because of COVID to re-recruit

"RIPKBGIGI" Hey all,

I'm a rising junior at a target school and I'm currently recruiting for IB (SA 2021). Earlier this week, I received an offer from the firm I'm currently interning for, which is a boutique IB shop in SF, to work during the school year. I've really enjoyed the work I've been doing for this firm as I've learned a ton and given that school (and everything in general) is going to be quite different this year, I decided to think about what it would be like if I took the school year off. I've come to realize that taking a gap year (if it's possible) seems to have more pros than cons to it; below are main points in favor of taking a gap year.

1. My school raised its tuition this year and frankly, it is not worth 60k this year. Just the fact that some classes are going to be online makes me feel this way, but on top of that, the overall experience just isn't the same. I go to a big football school and obviously that won't be around along with all the other fun social things. Additionally, unlike a lot of people at my University, my parents don't have a shit ton of money and I actually need to take out loans starting this year. Taking out a 60k loan for an experience that is honestly worth at best 10k, in my opinion, is something I'm uneasy about.

2. After not getting a superday for Goldman last week (RIP) and overall striking out with every bank thus far, I'm starting to lose hope. I believe that if I took a gap year, it would allow me the opportunity to recruit with the analyst class below me (SA 2022), which is quite appealing.

3. A big reason why I've struck out with recruitment is due to the fact that I haven't been in a good mental health state since December. I've been wanting to go to therapy for a bit and have pushed it off for quite some time because of recruitment/school/covid/other stuff. I really do feel like a gap year would allow me to actually have some time to get better and be fully prepared going into recruitment starting Jan 2021.

Would love to hear some people's opinion in regards to this.

I would recommend using the search function/doing some research. There are many threads from people with the same situation. Bring on the MS

I think you have solid points. I especially agree with the fact that tuition is super high yet the experience is no where near the same (no football, limited social events, etc.). If you can work at the boutique IB shop during the school year and they don't care that you aren't in school, I think you should do it. The internship during the school year would give you a legit excuse if it ever comes up in interviews.

Even if you don't decide to go to therapy, a gap year would probably release some stresses and really allow you to work on yourself and get yourself in the right mental shape moving forward. Goodluck with whatever you decide to do.

I didn't read your whole post but was in a similar situation. I took an gap year and it worked out.

Would do it if it is still not too late for your timeline. Seems a little late to recruit for next summer, but I'm not familiar with this year's timeline.

In a similar position but I don't have an internship lined up during the school year yet. I fucked up recruiting & didn't network enough this cycle and think I could do much better if a had a second shot. Might only take the fall semester off though. I also play a sport and it is cancelled for this season so it would allow me to play in the fall of 2021

I like the plan, and am going through similar feelings at my MBA. want a DM?