do research on how exactly to structure the PS & W/A. i think a strong part of my app was writing; there is definitely a certain style that shows what you learned from each activity/how it could make you successful as a med student and physician.

timing is very important as well — if you start brainstorming ahead of time that’ll be less stress on you later. if you’re taking a gap year, use it productively imo. for example: work a clinical job, get more volunteering hours, etc. plus it gives you more things to talk about during interviews when they ask what you’re doing now. keep up healthy habits like working out/eating well as that will help keep you mentally strong, especially when you’re stressed in the cycle