Kevin,

   Well, I can speak from experience to say that taking a year off to do my own thing really helped me.  I don't know if I would have gotten into law etc. at all if I hadn't had the time to think! (Or the time for a few wild and crazy flings... to just travel and be irresponsible and out of my parents' house!) Are you still living at home?

-Stephanie

PS: Me when I was your age... hanging out at a new boyfriend's house in France! LOL