[collegeburner]

18-year-old here, heavily considering a gap year. I've already got a job at a cybersecurity firm as a developer, and would continue working there. It's a start-up, so I've gotten to work on many different things and build skills in lots of different places. I've worked on projects to build skills throughout high school; I'd continue working on those. I'd have more time to focus on learning "real things" vs. padding my accomplishments for college admissions. Finally, I've got lots of non-profit work to continue. It sounds much more compelling than paying $75k/year for "zoom university".

[Tenoke]

If you already have a decent job, the 3-4 years of extra real-world experience will likely put you much further ahead than college would. I wouldn't waste so much money and time on it given your position regardless of covid.

[JoeAltmaier]

Back in the day, HP hiring used to value a Masters' Degree as 1 year of experience. And a Master's Degree took 2 years. So they made in explicit: get out of school and get a job.

[downerending]

Having both an MS and been in industry a long time, I'd say counting an MS as one year of experience is quite generous.