I'm in the process of taking a gap year! Advantages: It's nice to take a break from education. It's a very good way to get work experience (whether voluntary or paid), especially if it relates to your degree.
Also a good way to save money and learn how to budget yourself with your wages. You have the advantage of knowing exactly where you are going to university (assuming you will have your A-levels) and will therefore have longer to prepare. Disadvantages: It's hard to get back into the routine of education.
Possibly difficult to apply through UCAS by yourself. Your friends (I'm assuming) will go to university, so it could get lonely. It does get very boring.
The novelty of work and no college wears off very quickly! In my experience, I'm a little bored but it was definitely the best decision for me. I got a job in Sainsbury's, which pays very well, and I have been able to secure a transfer so I will have a job when I go to university.
I feel a little left out that my friends have gone but I'll have my time! ALSO, to answer your last question. Last year, I applied to five universities.
I didn't even get into Swansea Met. This year I applied and I got unconditionally into all of my universities (including York, Kent and Cardiff). I would definitely recommend it!
There's no direct disadvantage, though you run the risks of it being slightly more competitive and/or expensive the next year. However, you can take the extra year to save up some money and get some perspective. I find many people burn out on schooling when they go straight into college -- spending a year off can help you decide more solidly what you want to do (or even if you want to go to college at all).
Of course, it's important not to waste that year either. You should try to do something -- anything -- to help yourself out or make the time worthwhile. That might mean getting a minimum wage job and saving up money.
You could also do something more epic, like traveling. You could also better your chances at getting in by getting involved with an organization (perhaps one that helps out abroad?). Essentially, it's a good idea, but you should make sure you don't spend the year hanging around home and not doing anything.
Keep your life moving.
I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.