Moreover, taking a gap year can help you stand out from other applicants during the medical school application process. Admissions committees appreciate applicants who have taken the time to explore their interests and passions and have gained meaningful experiences outside of academics. This can demonstrate your commitment to medicine and your potential as a future physician.

If you’re worried about financing your gap year, there are many options available to you, such as scholarships, fellowships, and grant programs.  You can also consider working part-time during the gap year. Remote work is becoming increasingly popular so you can your work online while volunteering internationally! Consider tutoring – it is easily done online and looks good on your application. Being a physician involves being a teacher and by being a tutor, you are demonstrating this important role of a physician. 

But a gap year is not just about checking boxes on your application – it’s also a chance for personal growth and self-discovery. Whether you choose to travel, explore new hobbies, or volunteer in your community, you can use this time to become a more well-rounded and confident person. And by taking a step back from the intense academic environment of premed studies, you may find that you return to your studies with renewed energy and focus.  If you don’t want to completely give up on your studies during your gap year, you can take additional coursework or retake classes to boost your GPA and demonstrate your dedication to academic excellence. 

Taking a gap year can give you the edge you need to succeed in the MCAT. During this year off, you can focus solely on mastering the material for the MCAT, allowing for a more thorough understanding and preparation.  MCAT prep typically requires an intense few months of studying and a well-planned gap year can allow for that.

Overall, taking a gap year can provide you with the time and space to pursue a wide range of experiences that can strengthen your application and showcase your unique qualities.