<p>start now, the sooner you start preparing for college, the better. I wish there was someone to guide me as well, but my GC is probably the dumbest person on earth.! I personally think that taking a year off will be of great help, especially for SAT and TOEFL. Also, you can utilize the gap yr by doing internships and the like, which will boost your admission process. Go to USEF, get in touch with relatives/siblings abroad…try to get all help from everyone you know. And CC is a great place to post your queries,CCers are so eagerly helpful :D</p>