<p>Here’s the thing: unless you’re really, really close with your teachers who gave you recommendations, a gap year might mean weaker rec letters, as the teachers would have new students and new affection. The difference might be slight, but enough to make your chances not any better.</p>
<p>But here’s another view: if you use your gap year really well, for something like inventing some awesome gadget or conducting research and such, it could actually increase your chances. However, achieving something as impressive as that might be as hard as getting in as a transfer, so…</p>
<p>Maybe you should go to UCLA. Why are you obsessed with the Ivies when UCLA is on par with the lower-Ivies? I hope all you want is not the HYP brand name.</p>