Thanks for weighing in. Yes , by the pandemic. His adviser told him that he would get a admission . He applied for 10 schools, but his GRE on border line.
He is looking for a avenue to improve his profile with a Research project/job. It is not happening.
What is the story, he can tell for gap year (time) for prospective graduate school to evaluate his application?
I agree the pandemic is temporary. When most graduate programs eventually resume taking students as they did before, he will be challenged by many students. He need to build a compelling story/profile to stand out.
He is struggling on this aspect.
Thanks for your guidance.