Medical Can I apply during a gap year between third and fourth year for US MD schools

[Catalystik]

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If I take a year off between my third and fourth year of college, can I then apply during that gap year to MD schools (Texas MD schools to be specific)?

If you are accepted during a hiatus year between junior and senior year , it's unlikely you'd be able to matriculate to med school if you still have one more year of college to complete. It would be a rare situation at any med school that would allow you to start their curriculum without a final college transcript proving you graduated with a baccalaureate degree.

Transcripts Following Acceptance
TMDSAS maintains the records of accepted applicants. Therefore, official transcripts for coursework taken subsequent to acceptance up to matriculation must be sent to TMDSAS at the end of each semester that coursework is taken. Applicants who are accepted and plan to enroll in medical school will also be required to submit a complete set of transcripts to the school at which they plan to enroll. These transcripts must include all courses taken prior to enrollment. The TMDSAS Match

Can I be accepted to medical school without an undergraduate degree? 
Baccalaureate degrees are highly desirable. However, exceptionally mature students without a degree, who have outstanding academic records, superior performance on the respective admissions test and highly desirable personal qualifications may be considered for admission. Education Eligibility Requirements

 

[Catalystik]

Thank you for your insight.

What I had in mind moreso was that I would complete my degree. I would apply the summer prior to beginning my fourth year (after my gap year essentially).
1) Would this be possible?
2) Also, would admissions committee’s look down upon this? I assume it depends on the reason?

1) Yes. You can apply so long as you have 90 semester hours already completed. Be sure to apply through TMDSAS at the beginning of the summer for the most optimal outcome.

2) They would not look down on applying the summer before senior year. As to opinions on taking a gap year in the middle of the college years, I'm sure you would be asked if it weren't evident from the activities listed on your application. Some reasons are application boosters, some neutral, and others would reflect poorly.

 

[Catalystik]

I wanted to take the year off and study at a religious seminary I got accepted to within Texas, all the while simultaneously doing some clinical volunteering and perhaps a part-time job, how would this reflect? Would really appreciate some feedback 🙂

I can't speak for all adcomms, but seminary attendence seems neutral to me. Keep in mind that the grades earned would need to be included when you apply to med school and that tmdsas would calculate a composite GPA for you including both college and seminary grades. The stronger volunteering hours gained would be a positive.

 

[Goro]

If I take a year off between my third and fourth year of college, can I then apply during that gap year to MD schools (Texas MD schools to be specific)?

Thanks!

You should apply when you have the best possible app.

 

[Catalystik]

Have you seen this thread?
Pursuing an Master of Divinity before or after Medical School (Earning multiple degrees)