Burdened by the intense pressures to gain college acceptance, many students are opting to take time off after high school. As this New York Times article points out, some students defer admission, work in structured programs such as City Year, and matriculate after gaining real-world experience. Others apply to colleges toward the end of that "gap" year hoping that their experience will make them more attractive candidates.

Spending a year working in an inner-city program might not land you a spot at a top university (if you wouldn't get one otherwise), but it will make you more mature and, perhaps, more prepared for the college grind. I took two years off and never regretted my decision. By the time I arrived at college (an Ivy), I was ready for the challenges and knew I was there for the right reasons.

So if you're unsure about going to college, or where to go, don't feel you have to rush to action. A year away from the classroom could be just the ticket.

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