<p>Hmm. I would make my decision based on your mental health, not based on whether you can make yourself more attractive to “elite” schools. Based on what you are describing, I can’t really understand why you are looking only at “top universities.” That sounds like a recipe for later problems. If the pressure of high school was so great that it sent you into depression and anxiety, I’d reframe my search to find the university that best fits and that will provide the support you need when (not if) you find the same challenges arising in your life. I don’t say this to be mean. I’m only saying that the triggers that hurt you the first time don’t disappear. You learn to manage them and to cope with the difficulties over time but there is no miracle cure.</p>
<p>I would redo your junior year if you feel it helps you to learn greater strategies for coping with schoolwork. I would also broaden my perspective about college. There are many, many great schools out there with exceptional programs and wonderful reputations that would be happy to have you, either way.</p>