<p>Don’t take a GY for the explicit purpose of getting into a “better” school. Honestly, that disappointment will fade within the first few weeks of the school year, and in all likelihood, you’ll find yourself in love with UCLA before Thanksgiving.</p>
<p>However, there are compelling reasons to take a GY outside of raising your admissions chances (which, unless you do something really remarkable by October 15th, it won’t). Consider taking a GY for other reasons. If those reasons don’t speak to you, then you shouldn’t take one. You’re ready for college, and you’re just grappling with understandable but transient disappointment.</p>