This blog was originally written by Jay B. Lusk and updated in 2026 by Elite Medical Prep. A common question students ask is when to take the MCAT if taking a gap year, and the answer depends less on motivation and more on planning backward from your intended application window....

You have received an interview invitation with your top-choice medical school! After the initial wave of excitement, you might start to ask yourself what your next steps are.

This past month I was fortunate enough to attend a lecture by Dr. Rebecca Güler, senior learning specialist at UTMB, on working with students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). As a fan of the tv show, The Good Doctor, I found that this is a topic that I wanted to...

Taking a gap year before starting medical school can be a highly productive alternative to the traditional straight-through route. This time can be used to gain work experience, boost your MCAT score, perfect your essays and compile all components for your medical school applications, and much more!

Applying to medical school can seem like navigating a maze, a process that is undoubtedly intimidating to many students. From the AMCAS primary application to individual secondary applications, to the interview, it is difficult to feel fully informed about the process. This guide will take you through the process of...

Did you know that if you are an IMG applying for residency in the United States, you still have to satisfy a clinical and communications skills (CCS) requirement through the ECFMG? This may come as surprise considering the USMLE broadcasted suspension of the CCS during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dual degree medical programs, such as Physician-Scientist programs, offer ambitious and curious students the opportunity to become leaders and experts in a particular field of study that is related to healthcare.

The MCAT is an important part of your medical school application and allows medical admissions committees to interpret your academic data when comparing you to students from other institutions. The key to success on your exam begins with an effective MCAT study schedule, incorporating a few great MCAT study resources.

The medical school application process is holistic, but the MCAT still makes up a considerable portion of the evaluation for most programs, and thus it is important to put in the time and put your best foot forward on a retake.  In this blog post, we will talk about the top 5 reasons students score low on the MCAT, and some potential solutions.

Congratulations, you have been accepted into medical school! After more than a year studying for the MCAT, writing countless essays, and practicing for interviews—not to mention fulfilling all the pre-med requirements during college—your hard work has paid off.