Has anyone finished premed in 3 years and taken a gap year? What are the pros and cons? What is the timeline in terms of med school applications to do this (like when would you take the MCAT, when would you start applications, etc.)
Timeline for medical school applications–
-
Once all pre-reqs are completed you can begin prepping for the MCAT. It’s especially important that you’ve finished biochem before starting MCAT prep since biochem is tested heavily on the MCAT
-
MCAT prep–allow 6-12 weeks for intensive study. Don’t take the exam until your full length practice exams (taken under as close to actual test conditions as possible) are routinely hitting your target score.
The median MCAT for matriculating MD students in the 2018-19 application cycle was in the 511-13 range. For matriculating DO students 504-506.
-
MCAT score is valid for only 3 years from the date of testing. Some schools only accept MCAT scores that are 2 years or less old. Check MSAR or the admission webpages of your target schools for last acceptable test dates.
-
before you leave undergrad be sure to obtain at least 3 LORs from your professors. Most med schools required 2 LORs from BCPM science faculty and 1 from a non-science faculty member who has taught you in a class. Check with your school’s Health Profession Advising Office to find out their requirements for getting a committee letter of recommendation as an alumni.
LORs need to be written within 12 months of your application submission. Med schools will not accept “stale” letters, (This means if you plan to apply after 1 or more gap years, you should have the writer “freshen” their LOR by updating your old letter with any new updates about your activities/achievements and attaching a new date to the letter. )
- The med school application cycle lasts a full year. You apply in June to begin classes in July/August of the following year. Once you submit your AMCAS/AOA application you cannot update it. This means you need to have ALL your ECs completed before you apply. Although you can listed anticipated activities on your application, adcomm generally discount them.
Year 1-2-3 undergrad
--take pre-reqs, begin working on pre-med ECs (Leadership, clinical volunteering, community service w/ disadvantaged groups, physician shadowing, clinical or lab research)
Year 3
--prepare for and take MCAT
--collect LORs from professors & store them w/ a letter service like Interfolio
Year 3-4
--improve ECs. Continue community service volunteering
Considering finding a full-time clinical contact job job such as EMT, CNA, MA, medical scribe.
Year 4
--contact undergrad HPO Jan-March and apply for a committee letter
--have recommenders freshen LORs
--submit application to AMCAS/AOA in June
Year 4-5
--complete secondary applications in timely manner (under 2 weeks turn around time)
--interview at med schools while continuing to improve ECs
(You must assume you'll be e re-applicant until your receive an acceptance. 60% of applicants never get any acceptance.)