Unsure if I should take a gap year

So basically, I gave the SAT once with like 0 prep and got a 1360, I planned to give it again in december but I couldn’t due to some reasons. I wanted to apply to Upenn and Columbia but my SAT score isn’t good enough. I also haven’t given SAT 2 because I didn’t have the time for it. So I was thinking of taking a gap year to improve my stats and apply. Would that be a good idea? I’ve heard that you’re less likely to get scholarships if you take gap years (from like every uni) is that true?

I’d always recommend doing a gap year, it’s great for taking a break and getting to know yourself a little bit more. However, test-prep is not a full-time job and rather something to do on the side while you’re interning/volunteering/backpacking…