Gap Year options

Applying to College
1

<p>Hello,</p>

<p>I have finally heard back from all of my colleges and unfortunately, the news isn't that great.
I was admitted to my state flagship, but I am considering taking a gap year and reapplying to get into my top choices.</p>

<p>I am planning on majoring in Finance ( I want to go into Investment Banking as a career) but have not had a lot of opportunity or experience in the field other than talking to some family members who work for large consulting companies. I was thinking of finding some kind of gap year program for internships either in the US or abroad (preferably abroad) so I can get more experience in finance, learn about another culture and maybe a new language and simply de-stress after high school.
My cousin who works in the finance industry said that my university probably will not be the best option for a career in investment banking due to a small alumni base in the field. </p>

<p>THe final reason for my gap year idea would be to increase my chances at some of the ivy leagues and top LAC's as well as places like UVA or a direct admit to Ross at Michigan where investment banking is big. My stats are decent for the ivy league 3.95gpa 33 act, ec's like mock trial speech and debate, a couple sports etc. </p>

<p>Is this a good idea? Any other idea's for gap years? Are there any programs that you could recommend?</p>

2

<p>bump…</p>

3

<p>Gap years are generally taken after you have selected your college and been granted an admissions deferral from them. That is what my son did.</p>

<p>It’s extremely rare that a student will do better on a reapplication after a gap year than he did the first time around. Those that do get a second look generally have some remarkable accomplishment during their time off – a competitive national award or major leadership role. An internship or trip abroad is not going to impress any Ivy League or Top LAC adcoms.</p>

<p>There are many good reasons to take a gap year, but improving your chances for elite schools is not among them. You would be better off getting on with your life, excelling at your state university and applying to a Finance MBA program for grad school.</p>