Have you checked your medical records snd made sure there is nothing obvious that may affect your application?
Do you have the background now to apply for pilot and demonstrate your leadership potential?
What is your back-up plan if you don't get in as a pilot? If it involves a degree, I recommend you get the qualification, so you've got an immediate fallback.
If you took a year out, what are you considering doing and what experience would it give you? If you go to uni you can apply for the UAS.