When does a person start applying for college/university?

<p>I am sorry if this is not the right forum (Pre-med Topics) so please excuse me because I have just joined this forum.</p>

<p>I am going to graduate from High School next year (2013). I would have gotten my high school diploma by the 21 of Aug, 2013. My question is whether I would be able to join the 2013 Fall Semester of a university, in particular the U of M. I already know that the deadline for the applications for the 2013 Fall Semester is the 15th of Dec, 2012 according to the U of M. I have registered for the required Sat test that I would be doing the 3rd of Nov, 2012. </p>

<p>If I would not be able to join the 2013 Fall Semester of the U of M, does that mean I would have to wait for a whole year then join the 2014 Fall Semester?</p>

<p>If this is true, what should I do that would be beneficial to me in my pre-med during the whole year I would be waiting?</p>

<p>If possible I would like to know about when you graduated? Did you immediately join university? </p>

<p>I would appreciate any piece of information.</p>

<p>Thank you</p>