Would you recommend waiting a year to win a highly prestigious competition (like IMO for ex.) for someone who has not won such awards? I can see how it would significantly help, but I am not sure it is worth a year, especially since you could leverage the award if waitlisted. Thanks!
Edit. I worded my question wrong. I’m actually wondering if it is even worth trying for such a competition junior year, or simply apply. I doubt I will have the vitality to try if I plan on attending whatever since waitlisted is not a very significant consideration for me. I wasn’t planning on studying in the summer but I was wondering if I should prep for a competition