Originally Posted by aeh
With regard to options other than straight to part- or full-time college: one may explore a special non-academic interest (arts, athletics, languages, a technical skill, etc.), experience the world of work, spend some time mastering skills for independent living, engage in service projects or charitable work, travel (e.g., visit extended family members in various parts of the country/world)...
These are all excellent suggestions. Davidson offers a free guidebook: Considering your options: A Guidebook for Investigating Gap Year Opportunities