As an aside OP. You mentioned that several students had to take a gap year. It’s actually the preferred path of late and many pre health committees strongly recommend it. First you can get some research time. Second a little rest. Third you can focus on mcats and not other classes. Lastly you can enjoy some of your time as an undergrad the last year or so. it’s not an indication of sign of weakness or having been passed over. FWIW.