OregonGal,
This is tough. I'm in a similar situation, but frankly, I cannot wait another year. Also, I'm not sure I would find that amazing job/internship that would really polish my applications because every place I have applied to wants people that either have a master's or are in grad school. But, I'm also older than you are...I think (I'm 26).
Waiting a year is a gamble. But it might be worth it to you. But think, its not actually waiting a full year...it's more like waiting 6 or 7 months (because of deadlines). Is this enough time for you to find W.E.? Let alone learn and grow from it? Also enough time to garner a LOR from a potential supervisor?
Quick question: why didn't you apply to American? I'm sure you would have gotten in there no problem.