I knew a handful of people in college who took a year off -- I think they applied while still in HS, then deferred for a year. They seemed so much more knowledgeable about the world as well as assured as to their reasons for being there. I, on the other hand, had no idea what I was doing. I spent the better part of my 20's trying to figure out what I wanted to do with my life. I was 36 when I finally finished grad school, barely time to get things going with the career while running out of time/opportunity to start a family.

I grew up in a family where my parents were adamant that all my energy should go towards academic achievement, and there was no value in working part-time or summers, unless it was candy-striping at a local hospital (step 1 towards putting together a med school application). Looking back, I really wish I had worked through school. It seems like employers want to know about work experience even coming out of school. It's a great way to differentiate yourself from the pack if you've got it.

If I had taken the time off, I think I would have benefitted by spending my time working/volunteering in fields that I was considering professionally. Maybe travel a little, but with an eye towards whether I wanted that to be related to my career.