I overshot this year. Applied to 18 schools, mostly top/low yield programs thinking that number was a lot and that I had a decent shot with my activities and credentials. I took the MCAT my junior year and thought I did all the "right" premed things. 4.0 GPA, 522 MCAT, research, leadership, clinical jobs, volunteering, etc. That was evidently not the case.

I am now stuck in the scenario where I have not really been as involved in clinical activities or research over the past year because I was burnt out after applying (I went on a medical mission right after and doing all of that back to back was too much). I don't know whether to apply straight away again this year and risk burning out and/or not getting in again or to bite the bullet and commit to two gap years. Would greatly appreciate anyone's insight into this if you faced a similar situation.

here's my pros/cons list if it helps anyone:

apply this year

Pros:

Less stress about wasting time, dont feel like im behind my peers (as much)

“Certainty” in my future sooner

Quicker potential payoff

Less time spent “unprofitable”

Stay on initial track/life plan more

Cons:

Potential to not get in this year and then Im really screwed

Back to back stressed out applying years

My resume really doesn’t change much between last application and this one

Pretty much stepped off all clinical activities this past year. That gap doesn’t look good

apply next year

Pros:

Could find a crazy cool experience and have the time of my life before medical school

Travel

Less pressure to find something immediately

More time to structure a narrative

If I get a clinical job I could really make sure whatever field I pursue is what I want

Cons:

Dont know what to do with that extra time time right now

Does taking a gap year look like I wasn’t committed to the field of medicine?

That would be the last year my MCAT is viable

Potential to waste a year if I don’t find the “right thing to do”

I feel bad about myself for not following my initial plan

Spend more time out of school and structure

I feel “behind in life”

More of my 20/30’s in training