<p>I vote against the gap year and in favor of UCLA. You have an absolutely fabulous opportunity on the table in front of you and all you have to do is sit down, pull up the chair and dig in. UCLA is a top top top school. In the nation. In the world. The privates you hope for are no better. Your scores look like tippy top to me now, so improving them would not, I think, improve your chances/aid much! You are instate so the cost of UCLA is half the privates without needing merit/need based aid. Grab this chance! If you WANT a gap year because you want a gap year, great - go for it. But if you want a gap year because you don’t like your college choices, then I think you are not understanding how wonderful your UCLA option is.</p>
<p>Rice may or may not come through, then may or may not come through with the $$$ to make it comparable, costwise, to UCLA. UCLA vs. Rice cost aside? They’re both top notch universities, they’ll both challenge you and provide opportunities for wonderful experiences. You can bloom at either one! You said UCLA felt good to you. YAYYYYY! Go for it!</p>