<p>It’s not like you are not going to Stanford, you are, there is no denying. But I also would vote for taking a gap year to recharge and you’ll be able to appreciate your undergraduate education much better. The only problem is what to do to fun your gap year. Do you think you have the skills to earn a living while doing a gap year.</p>
<p>If you want to take a gap year, by all means do it. Just make sure that you are flexible and have a backup plan in case the work for a start-up in San Francisco thing doesn’t pan out.</p>
<p>Just remember, there are literally hundreds of newly minted college grads heading to the Bay Area right now to make their fortunes. As an 18-year old HS grad, you’re going to need some pretty impressive qualifications to compete. </p>
<p>OP - Do you parents have thoughts on this? </p>