<p>“Taking a gap year is either a luxury (for students whose families can afford it) or a necessity (for students who have no other option).”</p>
<p>I don’t agree with this – it can just be a choice, as opposed to a luxury or necessity. A lot of people take a gap year, work, and save up money. If you’re living at home, it’s not hard to do. If that’s really what the OP wants, I don’t think it is a bad call. It’s probably not too late to defer entrance to St. Olaf. Most kids are stunned by how much there is to learn in a year working in retail or food service.</p>