I'm confused on how applying during a gap year works

[sorrel1000]

---

Members don't see this ad.

Say I don't get into any schools this cycle. Alright, well the plan will be to improve upon my ECs throughout 2017/2018, retake the MCAT, and apply next cycle.

Yet if I apply next cycle, that would technically mean I'd need to start applying May 2017. Wouldn't I just be showcasing the same old stuff on my old application from this cycle, maybe add a few ECs? My gap year would be where I'd really improve myself, but I'd be doing that DURING my next application cycle of 2017/2018, not before.

Do people who normally take gap years after not getting into their cycle usually wait 2 years before they apply again, so they can have significant improvements BEFORE applying? I hope this makes sense!

Thanks!

 

[LizzyM]

Say I don't get into any schools this cycle. Alright, well the plan will be to improve upon my ECs throughout 2017/2018, retake the MCAT, and apply next cycle.

Yet if I apply next cycle, that would technically mean I'd need to start applying May 2017. Wouldn't I just be showcasing the same old stuff on my old application from this cycle, maybe add a few ECs? My gap year would be where I'd really improve myself, but I'd be doing that DURING my next application cycle of 2017/2018, not before.

Do people who normally take gap years after not getting into their cycle usually wait 2 years before they apply again, so they can have significant improvements BEFORE applying? I hope this makes sense!

Thanks!

Spending a year improving before applying again makes the most sense but some people who wind up reapplying aren't sensible. It is best to wait. You don't want to be in a position of hoping that the third time's the charm.

 

[sorrel1000]

Many medical schools offer specific pages of advice for reapplicants, something I find few students look into. This would be true whether or not you are a specific reapplicant to that school. Below are links to a few and please note most say the most common mistake among reapplicants is applying again too soon.

Thank you! This really cleared a few things up for me. The best track would be for me to not apply in May 2017 then, and to wait until the 2018/2019 cycle

 

[Goro]

It is always best to apply once, when you have the best possible app. Reapplicants need to do due diligence in improving the deficits in the apps, and not merely hope that magic will occur by reapplying with the same app (unless one applied late in the first go-around).

 

[DoctorCakes]

This is the reason you should always be working on your EC's throughout your cycle! You should apply when your application will be strongest. If this requires gap year full of activities that you need on your application than a traditional student would take two gap years, yes. You should apply next cycle if you have been beefing your application during this cycle. It is a very common mistake for students to relax during their app cycle but when they don't have an acceptance in May, they have done nothing to change improve their app and end up taking a second cycle off. Therefore 'missing' two cycles. Personally, I am doing a 'gap year' but am applying after senior year so only my senior year EC's will be on my application, not my gap year EC's. Although, you can still discuss those in your interviews.

So in conclusion, if your app has not changed much, take another cycle off

 

[partypantss]

I reapplied right away with an only slightly improved application after my brother and mother talked me into it. Slight improvement isn't good enough which is why I'm now a third time applicant. Don't be like me, take the time to improve that way your second app is the one rather than me whos now saying third times a charm. It looks like it will work out for me in the end this cycle, but I would have been better off if I just didn't reapply last cycle and waited until this one.

 

[sorrel1000]

I reapplied right away with an only slightly improved application after my brother and mother talked me into it. Slight improvement isn't good enough which is why I'm now a third time applicant. Don't be like me, take the time to improve that way your second app is the one rather than me whos now saying third times a charm. It looks like it will work out for me in the end this cycle, but I would have been better off if I just didn't reapply last cycle and waited until this one.

Thanks for the insight. Receiving similar pressures from my mother and brother too

 

[Goro]

Listening to well meaning but ignorant family members has destroyed or delayed the medical career of hoards of premeds.

Thanks for the insight. Receiving similar pressures from my mother and brother too