I'm a sophomore undergrad (well about to be a junior) right now and I just decided to go in the pre-med route. I can still graduate on time if I take summer school, I already mapped it out.

I just don't feel like I'm going to be ready for medical school in two years. I don't want to jump right into it. I mean is there a rush? I am thinking about taking a year off to work with a non-profit organization overseas. Maybe the Peace Corps. At least something related to medicine, public health or biology. With a degree in biochemistry, I could get a volunteer job.

Is it normal to apply to medical school late in the game? Or do I have to apply next year? I haven't taken the MCAT yet. I haven't prepared at all really. My GPA is high and I've done several unrelated internships but I haven't focused on medicine. Is it okay to take an extra year to get research experience? What do I need to do to make myself a competitive applicant at this point?