Studying during a gap year can boost your chances of getting into graduate or professional school by helping you strengthen your academic credentials and entrance exam scores. Taking additional courses in your field, filling gaps in knowledge, or improving grades in key subjects can make your application more competitive. This extra study time can also help clarify your academic and career goals, showing admissions committees that you’re committed and focused.

Priorities for using Study as a Gap Year Experience

Get the credentials you need: If you don’t have all the coursework necessary to apply to your preferred program, you can use the gap year to get the credentials you need. 

Improve test scores: If you didn’t do as well as you wanted on a test, you can use the time to study and practice. 

Gain relevant experience: You can complete an internship or work in a field related to your chosen graduate program. 

Develop skills: You can build soft skills like communication, problem-solving, and time management. You can also develop leadership skills by volunteering or engaging with a community. 

Refine goals: You can use the time to reflect on your academic and career goals. 

Polish your application: You can retake the GREs if needed and polish your personal statement. 

Sample Timeline for Gap Year Option: Study

Pre-Gap Year (May-June): Preparation

• Assess Needs: Review application requirements, deadlines, and areas for improvement.
• Set Goals: Define what you want to achieve during the gap year (e.g., test scores, coursework, experience).
• Research Programs: Identify target programs and their prerequisites.

Month 1-2 (June-July): Academic and Test Preparation

• Enroll in Courses: Start advanced or remedial courses relevant to your field.
• Begin Test Prep: Start studying for entrance exams (e.g., GRE, MCAT, LSAT).
• Develop a Study Schedule: Create a structured plan for test preparation and coursework.

Month 3-4 (August-September): Deepening Knowledge

• Take Practice Tests: Begin regular practice tests to gauge progress.
• Review and Adjust: Analyze practice test results and adjust study focus accordingly.
• Continue Coursework: Maintain progress in courses and seek help as needed.

Month 5-6 (October-November): Gaining Experience and Building Relationships

• Internships/Volunteering: Engage in internships or volunteer work relevant to your field.
• Networking: Build relationships with professionals and mentors for future recommendations.
• Personal Development: Focus on soft skills and professional growth.

Month 7-8 (December-January): Application Preparation

• Draft Application Materials: Begin working on personal statements, CVs, and other application documents.
• Secure Recommendations: Request letters of recommendation from mentors or supervisors.
• Continue Test Prep: Take final practice exams and prepare for the actual test if not yet completed.

Month 9-10 (February-March): Finalizing Applications

• Complete Applications: Fill out applications, review requirements, and ensure all materials are in order.
• Submit Entrance Exams: Ensure that all test scores are sent to your target programs.
• Prepare for Interviews: If applicable, start preparing for interviews.

Month 11 (April): Application Review and Follow-Up

• Submit Applications: Ensure all applications are submitted by deadlines.
• Follow Up: Confirm receipt of applications and any additional materials.

Month 12 (May-June): Final Preparations

• Reflect and Prepare: Review your gap year experiences and prepare for the start of your graduate or professional program.
• Transition Planning: Make arrangements for the start of your program and any necessary logistics.