Defer once accepted or apply later?

[Fighter127]

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If I were to take a gap year would it be smarter to start applying to medical schools junior year and then ask for a 1 year deferral or to postpone applying and apply my senior year of UG? Also is there any potential benefit to applying earlier (as a junior) or later (starting the process as a senior)?

 

[smarts1]

You should not apply with the intention to defer a year. It is nearly impossible to defer a year unless you win some prestigious fellowship during the app process. Apply when you know you'll matriculate that following summer.

The only benefit to applying as a junior as opposed to being a senior is that you'll be making a physician's salary a year earlier. However, that benefit could be seen as a negative since you can do so many other things during that gap year like pursue some of your own interests, travel abroad, and relax before heading off to med school.

 

[Ismet]

Med schools don't grant deferrals just because someone wants to take a year off as a "gap year." You have to have a legitimate reason for requesting a deferral, such as continuing a research fellowship, having a baby, etc.

If you have your sights set on a gap year, apply during your gap year.

 

[DokterMom]

Also is there any potential benefit to applying earlier (as a junior) or later (starting the process as a senior)?

The reverse is more likely true. You've got an extra year to build your ECs and relevant experience. In addition, if you complete your core coursework by end of junior year, you can study all summer for the MCAT without the pressure of schoolwork and hopefully, nail it, with plenty of time for a retake (if needed) before applying with full knowledge of your stats and competitiveness.