Gap year, ucas, clearing, resitting, DILEMMA!!!!!

On a gap year, currently resitting 2 A levels, applying for law.

I am applying without predicted grades as my college reference refused to add them since I am resitting as a private candidate.

I know with my old grades despite resitting I'm going to be rejected from my choices and will likely have to go through clearing.

I can't decide whether to apply to uni before the ucas deadline or get some more experience/brush up some more on my personal statement and then apply after the deadline.

I'd appreciate any advice please.

The majority of Unis have no problem with resits.
Unless you are applying with grades well below all of your 5 choices, you have the same chance of an offer as everyone else.

How do you know that they will reject you?
Have you asked for their policy on resit applications without predictions?
It’s always worth applying before the deadline if you can. Using your original 5 choices maximises your chances of an offer. Clearing is designed as a backup system. The best way to use it is as a backup after applying before the deadline.