<p>What’s your GPA? Have you taken the SAT or ACT and what’s your score?
You could take a year off to work but you won’t be able to go on a yearlong vacation before colllege unless you work this year and save all the money WHILE getting good grades senior year :). Another option is to apply to do a high school year abroad - Nacel, AFS… offer those. They cost some money but are great for preparing you for college. WWOOFing is good if you’re used to farm work, which it doesn’t sound like you are.
Finally, you could apply to college, then ask to defer and do your gap year (working or “high school abroad”) then, with a college waiting for you.
Tell your dad that any university or LAC ranked in the top25 is basically out of reach at this point due to the D’s (those expect A’s). Check out Colleges that Change Lives.</p>