@MassDaD68 Hmm I’m interested why you use the word “squandered”. To put off college for awhile to my mind isn’t squandering but making the most of the resources available. What would be a waste would be to go immediately and to just go through the motions. Parents seem to see this as a race, get to college instantly and do great! And move into Career! and you’ll be All Set! It’s not that simple. To my mind taking time before college makes a lot of sense because 1) no student loans while you figure things out and 2) your mind continues to mature so that you can focus better once you get to college. It’s a win-win situation; 3) students are more eager to learn at a later age. They are rested and ready to stretch intellectually.