<p>No it is not too late to take a gap year. And those that do take a gap year are 19, so you will not be out of the ordinary. Don’t go to a school you think you will hate or a place you will hate when you still have to pay $30K to go there. Taking time to find a place that you WILL like, and can afford, is the best use of your time. However, to apply to colleges and have a chance of success next year, have solid plans to use your gap year for something solid/beneficial.</p>