In highly competitive admissions processes, students often find themselves considering a gap year—a period between undergraduate graduation and medical school matriculation. Gap years serve various purposes: addressing application weaknesses, exploring opportunities beyond academia, or engaging in research endeavors.

The decision to take a gap year should be tailored to individual circumstances and aspirations. No universal guideline dictates who should or shouldn't take a gap year. To address application shortcomings, several options merit consideration:

Pre-Health Application Timeline

First-Year Students

As a first-year student at Rensselaer, your primary focus should be on building a strong academic foundation. A solid academic record not only ensures a smooth path to your preferred graduate school but also provides the knowledge base necessary for success in future coursework and entrance exams.