Right now many seniors are preparing themselves for the application process, if not already in the midst of it. What these students are unaware of is that there is a marvelous opportunity following high school graduation that can preserve the purity of your bank account for at least 365 more days. This phenomenon is known as the gap year.

Woah, wait a second. There’s no way that’s a choice after all the importance placed upon entering college the next year after high school graduation. Well, here are some of the options you could choose should you follow the path of taking the mythical gap year.

1. Travel the U.S.

Ever wanted to see the space needle, the white house, or the Grand Canyon? These seem so unattainable, however with the right amount of planning, you can travel anywhere. Don’t set yourself short, visit far off places! Just do not visit Vegas, because your bank account will forever hold a grudge against you.

2. Start a Business

Maybe you wanted to study business in college and your big dream is to own a cafe. In this economy? May as well start now. If you pull through and are selling coffee and sandwiches left and right, you’ll be able to save up at least some money. In four years there is actually a decent chance Trump will own every business anyways.

3. Become a writer

“What? No way. Writing is the worst career ever and it’ll never make you any money.” Yes way. If you at least want to try freelancing now’s your chance, because after college any money you do make from writing is headed straight to your debt.

4. Go on an adventure

Ever wanted to just take a road trip and get away? Now is your chance! You’ve been working that part time job while also balancing all of those high school classes and sports, with a little planning you can visit anywhere your heart desires! (The scenery in Northern New Hampshire is actually stunning.)

5. Get yourself in better shape

This can run (pun intended) both ways. Whether you want to become better physically or take the time to plan your life out a bit more after college, taking a year off can seriously benefit you and reduce the amount of “what next” after you find yourself with a degree.

6. Actually watch a sports game

I’m not talking NESN or ESPN. Take the time to travel to Boston and see the Celtics or Bruins play, and you may find yourself more enticed in the game than you would be sitting on a couch yelling at a screen.

7. Improve yourself as a citizen

What does being a good citizen mean? Well for starters taking a gap year provides extra time for you to become more involved in your community. What this means is that once you apply to college later on there will be more for them to love about you.

8. Start a band

Have you always wanted to be the drummer for your own band? Well, now you can make that dream a reality.

Taking a year off before college is often never a viable option for seniors looking ahead (myself included); however I believe it has the ability in some circumstances to regenerate the student’s desire to be in the classroom. It also could be the year you finally get to visiting that place you never had time to visit while you were in high school. Consider the pros and cons, then decide for yourself whether it’s your time to begin your higher education or not.