I have taken a Gap Year and got in this year, and I can safely say it was the best decision I've made in a long time.
If you need any advice or support, I'll have this thread on my watch list and will check back time to time.
Quote me or PM me, if you want.
My Story- In 2010 I applied for Ancient History at Liverpool and Newcastle, who needed BBB/BBC. Unfortunately I got BBD and therefore did not get in. I went through Clearing and got an offer to study Classical Civilisation at Swansea. Now, not only did going to Swansea not appeal to me at all, but the course was wrong, and teachers were pushing me from all angles to just go anywhere. So I sent an e-mail saying that I was reapplying. I got hauled into 6th Form and my Head of 6th Form had a huge rage at me. But my mind was made up.
Within a week, I had a job, and a place at college to complete my AS level in English Literature (the concept of retaking my German modules was not on the cards!). This year, I've got work experience, thanks to my job I've met some amazing people, from actors like David Haig, to inspiring customers, including Ricky Gervais and finally (but completely not leastly!) my Boyfriend. I got to go to Egypt, and my time at college rekindled my love of reading.
And this year I got a place to study Ancient History and Archaeology at University of Reading. In hindsight this is so much better- with going to Liverpool or Newcastle, I was almost trying to be something I wasn't, a hard drinking, part animal student. Having discovered this year that I am a total lightweight and can't drink coffee, I can safely say that it was a decision for the best!