Taking Gap Year and Re-Applying to Top-Choice?

I was accepted to Claremont McKenna College this March, but I just can’t brush aside my obsession toward my top choices, like Stanford, Williams, and especially Brown. Taking gap year was my first thought as soon as I found out that I was rejected by most of my top choice colleges. First and foremost, I want to retake SAT during the gap year, because my low SAT should had been one of the biggest reasons I was rejected. Then I will maintain my ECs and other activities I used to do in HS.

I wonder this is the right idea, but maybe it’s my obsession that hinders me from seeing my situation objectively. Could anyone help me get through this?

I would jump on Claremont and never look back.

What specifically are you seeking at those other schools that can’t be found within the Claremont Colleges consortium?

I agree go to Claremont. Are you planning to attend grad school?