If you take a gap year, audition for community and regional shows… as many as you can. You get better by constantly rehearsing and performing. Practice anytime you can. Find mentors in those shows who can point out where you could improve. Don’t let it hurt your feelings, take the information and improve. Like @el-cee said, you can also apply to some non-audition schools if you don’t want to do a gap year. There is another thread talking about schools that have late auditions, too.