Do you have a plan for where to work on AI Alignment or computational physics? Will you do this on your own? How much background knowledge do you have? I would recommend going to college first if you think you need significantly more background, unless you're doing this research with an advisor who has this background and can direct you to things. What else do you want to get from college?

@JoeC with an org, and a decent amount of background. im most excited about diversity of research in college

@ashly_webb Then I think that these choices have pretty equal expected value, given just what you've said.

Will going to college now weaken existing important social ties? Then wait. Otherwise, you want the social and academic networking of college, and sooner is probably better.

I'm all for gap years, but I think you are doing it for the wrong reason. The reason that you'd want to take time before college is to explore yourself and your interests, before you need to choose a path in life. Many people have no idea what they want to major in and make some random decision when they're 18 that impacts that entire life trajectory. However, it seems like you really know what you want to do, and the things you want to do are best done with a college degree. Wouldn't it be better to work on these projects after you have a degree, or during it? You'd be ill-equipped to work on these things without a college degree..

@Shump +1

Luckily for you the same road will take you to Dhoces. It's a no-brainer.

No you should not. All taking a gap year will accomplish is you will waste a year. You will not make any progress on AI alignment. Any computational physics you work on will only be to the benefit of your own knowledge, but if that's your goal then you should just go to college instead.

@Willfc609 Depends on how intentional someone is about it. It could be a waste, but it could give them the freedom to explore and figure out more about what they want to do with their life.

I changed a lot a year after high school. Obviously some of that might have been because of college, but I still regret not taking a gap year. Ashly seems like the kind of person who would get a lot out of it.

Take gaps after college

College degree isn't necessary for life but experience of college builds character

But then it also depends on the environment in your country

Are you sure you have the willpower to do work without external pressures for a year?

@colorednoise I'm assuming this is what you mean

Do you have friend? How’s your social life? A lot of college is about that

Will you work on those things by yourself, or will you look for an organization or mentor to work with?

What about making markets that attempt to gauge the outcomes of your decisions, like "If I take a gap year, will I still get accepted by top 10 colleges?" and "If I go to college, will I have time for my own side projects?"

@bohaska because the answer to the first one is YES and the answer to the second one is NO.

@jim couldn't disagree more