Ok guys, just a quick heads up before you think anything about reapplying (if you had already).
I'm currently in the process of reapplying to medical school. Again.
In June 2012, I sat my A-levels in my final year of school. Travelled a bit during the summer, did some charity work in Sub Saharan Africa, then reapplied. In my second attempt (which is what I am describing now), I got two interviews, and didn;t get in. One offered me a place on a science course they did, and said if i do well enough I could transfer over. Its a risk, but hey...i prefer taking risks.
I just wanted to say that, because when I heard I wasn't going for a second time, i found a load of comments from people saying something along the lines of "don't worry, reapply, virtually everyone gets into medical school second time around". Either I'm a rare exception to that rule, or you aren't guaranteed anything.
My advice to all of you would be:
*Do whatever you can to prepare for interviews. I didn't have any the first time I applied, then I got two, back to back, in my second attempt. not sure if that had any bearing not he final result.
*The focus should always be on empathy nowadays. You're going to need to show compassion, empathy and determination in your PS and hopefully your interview. If you can, they know you will succeed academically, and you have the right personality to be a doctor
Those would be my main tips. Other than that, your gap year should be great. Try and work a bit (so you can actually afford some food), maybe travel a bit (if that floats your boat) and best of luck to you all. And to me too.
EDIT-PS, if anyone wants to inbox me or reply to this post, feel free, and I will try and get back to you. I probably shouldn't be your first port of call for advice, but I'd be willing to try and help if you need any.
Oh, and as I got A*A*AA in A-levels, i'd try and help with any science/maths question, if you ask nicely.