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The "gap year" is the period of time between your graduation from your baccalaureate institution and the start of medical school. While some students may not experience a gap year, many students need the extra year to strengthen applications, gain lab experience, pay down debt, or just take time off to experience life. If you are not immediately successful at gaining a spot in medical school, plan on a gap year where you will spend time strengthening your skills. Ideas for improving your chances of acceptance:

• Study for the MCAT and retake it if necessary
• Volunteer in a medically-related field
• Shadow a physician
• Take part in scholarly research or gain lab experience