Medical How should I answer prompt - Why did you take a gap year?

[Mr.Smile12]

A common secondary prompt is "why did you take a gap year?" For me, the original plan was to matriculate right after college. After an unsuccessful cycle, I decided to apply not the very next cycle, but the cycle afterward (this cycle) to strengthen my app. So really, the obvious reason for my gap year is the need to apply again, but I am honestly very thankful for this time off as I learned a lot about myself and grew a lot.

For some schools I am applying to, I will not be a reapplicant. Is there a reason to bring up my status as a reapplicant? Or can I just omit this from my explanation on my gap year? My initial feeling is to just omit it and talk about my gap year in another light because it is best not to draw attention to any negatives. However, I don't want to be dishonest or anything. I would love to hear the expert's opinion on this.

I don't really understand your question. Is there a reason why you are afraid to tell the truth? A lot of high schoolers are opting to take gap years before medical school.

Now that said, are you sure that is the intent of the prompt? Are you sure they are talking about a gap year after high school or a gap year after college?

 

[Mr.Smile12]

Im sorry. I just realized, I meant to say "For me, the original plan was to matriculate right after college". I was not originally planning to take a gap year but the need to reapply motivated me to take two.

Okay... I was just confused. I will say that first pass, tell the truth when you do a mock interview with trained professionals such as your career advisor back at your university. You can be prepared for the question but you can't be over-rehearsed.