When to start solidifying gap year plans?

Hey guys, Hoping for some advice as I'm feeling a bit lost right now. I applied to MD schools this cycle (secondaries submitted in July and August) and I'm really not hearing much of anything back. I've always had a backup plan in the back of my head, but now I'm wondering how far I actually go as to implementing it. I'm worried that I'll end up in some kind of 1-year job contract and an apartment lease... and then get into med school really late and have to figure out how to back out of... When to start solidifying gap year plans?
Source: Student Doctor Network - Category: Universities & Medical Training Authors: Source Type: forums