In all honesty just go for it, what's the worst that happens? You get rejected, go to Uni for x years then reapply afterwards (assuming you aren't interested in persuing any other route into aviation)....
I personally found my Gap year and Uni experience combined was of great benefit to me in terms of growing up and gaining that all important "life experience", and most of all it was fun! By no means is everyone suited to it however; I know of a few people who really didn't get on with the uni life and would have been far better off being in the real world earning money rather than racking up debt (although not an issue in your case). That's why I'd never just automatically tell someone they should go to uni...
There are at least a couple of guys out here of the young persuasion without a degree, so if you are good enough you will get through - it's that simple.