<p>What would happen if you didnt apply to colleges your senior year and then waited one year and applied then?</p>
<p>My daughter waited <em>3</em> years before applying and just completed her first year. She stuck with state college systems, nothing fancy, and got into three of the four locations, and conditionally for the 4th. </p>
<p>She has several friends who had to wait for financial reasons and they are all at the top state U in WA. It can be done. Good luck.</p>
<p>Many students take a year or more off. This is not a big deal.</p>
<p>Do stay in touch with some of your HS teachers and with your guidance counselor so that you will have someone to qritegour letters of recommendation.</p>
<p>You also have the option of applying in your senior year and deferring your acceptance for a gap year. Either way works–whichever makes more sense for your situation and what you want to do.</p>
<p>I honestly would apply this year as a senior, just to get it out of the way and not have to worry about it later, then once you get accepted request a gap year.</p>