<p>Who told you PhD programs frown on gap years? This is patently untrue. Lots and lots and lots of grad students take time between undergrad and grad.</p>
<p>Age is not considered a factor, excepting a very few programs, and in those cases we're talking extensive age difference. I don't agree with it; I just heard a couple stories. But it's incredibly rare.</p>
<p>Obviously you can't teach at a 4 yr school with just a masters degree. But you can teach at a community college. If that's your plan, I'm wondering what job you're planning on getting in between degrees. The reason I ask is that secondary teaching experience is a bonus at the community college level. If you're interested, you can complete certification requirements before you graduate from undergrad and teach secondary in between degrees. If you can swing it, you may even land a district that will pay for your master's degree.</p>