I'm going to second this. I was a young applicant when I applied last year (20) and didn't end up getting in off the waitlist I was on. So far, my year off has been amazing. I started a MS, found out it was a waste of time, dropped it, bought a ticket to Greece the next day, left the following day, and have been working as a medical scribe basically getting paid to hang out in the ED and see cool things/make great connections later for residency. I've gotten into 5 schools so far.
Moral of the story: Do not rush it. What "makes you special" (as you called being 16 applying) will always be there; you will always have gotten to this point at 16 (and honestly it REALLY could't matter less. It's a cool accomplishment, but I take my hat off to the people who leave careers and get in later in life while supporting families). The truth is, you are probably a victim to what I was told last cycle ("you're too young, get more life experience"), and no matter how mature you are, that statement is a true fact. I am so glad I didn't get in last cycle. Like I said, I'm really enjoying my year off, and now I have a choice as to which school I would like to attend (and several scholarships), instead of being pigeon-holed into a last minute acceptance off a waitlist.