Gradmissions Elevated Insights

EXPERT ADMISSIONS GUIDANCE

Gap Year or Go Time? Helping Pre-Meds Decide Their Next Step

Lizanne Carlson

Published on: 01/08/2025

Are you a pre-med student staring down the medical school application process and wondering: Should I apply to med school now, or take a gap year? The decision can feel overwhelming. Applying too early can lead to a rushed, underprepared application, but waiting without a plan can feel like losing momentum. At GradMissions, we help students make this choice strategically.

Admissions Strategymedical school applicationsMCAT

What ‘Holistic Admissions Review’ Really Means (And What It Doesn’t)

Lizanne Carlson

Published on: 28/07/2025

If you’re applying to law or medical school, chances are you’ve heard this term more times than you can count. And while the idea is comforting—it implies you’re more than your numbers—the truth is, holistic admissions is often misunderstood. As former admissions professionals, we want to demystify what really goes on behind the scenes, and what you can do to stand out in a holistic review process.

Admissions Strategycommon application mistakesmedical school applicationslaw school applications

How to Stand Out in a Crazy-Competitive Admissions Cycle

Lizanne Carlson

Published on: 21/07/2025

If this year’s application cycle feels like a storm—you’re not imagining it. The numbers are climbing. August LSAT registrations alone have jumped from 22,000 to over 34,000. MCAT test-takers are reporting burnout before secondaries even begin. Online forums are a constant swirl of panic, peer comparison, and ever-changing timelines.

Admissions Strategycommon application mistakesmedical school applicationslaw school applications

The August LSAT Surge: What 34,000 Test-Takers Mean for Your Law School Application

Lizanne Carlson

Published on: 16/07/2025

The August 2025 LSAT registration numbers are in, and they’ve caught everyone’s attention: Over 34,000 students are registered for the August exam. That’s a 54% increase from August 2024, which saw 22,000 registrants. This dramatic surge signals something bigger than just a crowded test center. It means you’re entering one of the most competitive law school admissions cycles in recent years. And if you’re not preparing accordingly, you may be left behind.

Admissions Strategycommon application mistakeslaw school applicationsLSAT

Podcast over for Gradmissions Office Hours

Catch Our Podcast: GradMissions Office Hours

Step Inside the Law & Med School Admissions Game

The law and med school admissions process is more competitive than ever—so how do you stand out?

On GradMissions Office Hours, Autumn and Lizanne pull back the curtain on the admissions world, sharing insider strategies, real client breakthroughs, and unfiltered advice on what actually works.From waitlists to personal statements, from scholarship negotiations to interview prep—we’ve got you covered.

Tune in now for your expert edge

Available wherever you like to listen.