A Year Off Before Medical School????

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Like you, I also finished undergrad in 3 years. I took 2 years off (moved to a different city and worked in medical research).

I used the some of the savings from my job to spend 6 weeks traveling the summer before I started med school.

For me, it was a great choice. It was nice to have some "real world" experience before school and it helped me to treat med school more like a job as far as time management goes..

The only disadvantage that I can think of is that sometimes it's frustrating to think that you could be an M2 or M3 when you're just an M1.

But yeah, take time off. It was totally worthwhile for me.
 
or you could take a bunch of joke classes and enjoy college life
 
I took 2 years off. They were (are) fun, but I wish it would've only been one year. Just take the time and enjoy yourself.
 
If you feel ready to work your butt off and give up most of your interests, start. If you feel like you haven't even lived enough of a life to start giving up things I would take a year off. If there is anything you've ever wished to experience outside of medicine, take a year off and start working on that list. You won't and shouldn't finish the list, but knowing that I've already lived some of my dreams has helped me willingly sacrifice my time for school. It won't hurt your medical school grades, and the more you mature before medical school the more stable, happy, and successful you will be in it.
 
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I was told by a resident when I was interviewing that if you are thinking about taking a year off before med school then do it. It is better to take a year off than slack when you are in school because you had no downtime. It is also better to do it before med school than to try to do it during/after.
 
I also did college in 3 years but I went straight into med school at the age of 20. It is now 30 years later and it will be another 20 before I take "a year off". A year of experience, maturity, perspective will be a big plus for you as you head into your medical career. You will not get another chance for a long, long time so make the most of it.
 
neurolddoc said:
I also did college in 3 years but I went straight into med school at the age of 20. It is now 30 years later and it will be another 20 before I take "a year off". A year of experience, maturity, perspective will be a big plus for you as you head into your medical career. You will not get another chance for a long, long time so make the most of it.
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Best comment on the thread.

OP, take a year off, it is worth it.
 
neurolddoc said:
I also did college in 3 years but I went straight into med school at the age of 20. It is now 30 years later and it will be another 20 before I take "a year off". A year of experience, maturity, perspective will be a big plus for you as you head into your medical career. You will not get another chance for a long, long time so make the most of it.
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Great answer! Do it, OP!
 
OP -

I agree with the rest of the folks in this thread.

I didn't finish college in 3 yrs, but did finish a little young, at age 20. Always knew I wanted to be a doc, but (very very wisely) took time off...ended up being 7 yrs....seven years of things MY WAY...had a jobby job, saved a little, lived in Europe for two yrs, went where I wanted when I wanted to. It was great!

When I got to interviewing for medical school, people wanted to talk about my line of work and what Portugal was like...I feel like it helped me so much, and I feel like I got a lot of the stuff that I wanted to do outta the way before this immense (but finite) commitment.

Unless you're worried about not going back to school if you take time off, I'd STRONGLY encourage you to take some time off. Maybe a year? Maybe three? Seven? Whatever. Just make sure you can still do well on the MCAT, and that your score stil counts when you apply, and then enjoy what life has in store for you!

dc
 
agree. it must be done. You will only have this chance once. The greater the fear, the greater the reward is at the end. Think about the experiences you could gain, and how much you could set yourself apart from others who never got to do such a thing.

Save the money, and go to Europe and get a fun job. If you really want to have fun then there is an island called Ios in Greece. I worked there before med school, and even went back the summer after; best time of my life.
 
I posted a similar question a while back and I am still debating whether to do it or not...
However, those of you that went overseas and got a job or worked, did you go by yourselves (or with friends), and how difficult was it to get a job?
 
I took a year off after going to ugrad for 4 years and it was the best thing that had ever happened to me. I feel like it has prevented me from burning out so far.

In your year off make sure you make a ton of money and blow even more of it.
 
I am in the process of taking two years off, I just wish it was my idea and not the medical schools I applied to...lol.

So far I have spent a few months in Europe, got a job in an ER, spent time studying to retake the MCAT, and I also work for a little company that I started called Go To the Bars a Lot, Inc.

We are hiring. DO IT
 
what kinds of things do you guys recommend doing on a year off?... I'm not really interested in taking a research job (i would prefer a non-medical job, just do do something different for a while)
 
runie46 said:
what kinds of things do you guys recommend doing on a year off?... I'm not really interested in taking a research job (i would prefer a non-medical job, just do do something different for a while)
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The job market is so rough right now just getting any job is really hard right now.
 
If I had to do it again I would NOT take a year off.

Here is my situation, I have tried to find a job for the past 6 months and the only jobs willing to hire someone who is only going to be around until Aug. of the next year are fast food, dishwashing... I guess I was always upfront and honest about where I saw myself in 5 years when they asked me (which obviously screwed me at like 6-7 of my job interviews).

If you have a job lined up (that you are actually interested in) I say take the year off if you want

If you have no plan (Like me), I would say just go to medical school.

The only good thing about taking a year off is that I get to sleep in until noon almost every day and I get to go out and party almost every night (but even that is getting old, and I am starting to get worried that heavy almost nightly alcohol abuse might take its toll on my brain)
 
sankondbest said:
If I had to do it again I would NOT take a year off.

Here is my situation, I have tried to find a job for the past 6 months and the only jobs willing to hire someone who is only going to be around until Aug. of the next year are fast food, dishwashing... I guess I was always upfront and honest about where I saw myself in 5 years when they asked me (which obviously screwed me at like 6-7 of my job interviews).

If you have a job lined up (that you are actually interested in) I say take the year off if you want

If you have no plan (Like me), I would say just go to medical school.

The only good thing about taking a year off is that I get to sleep in until noon almost every day and I get to go out and party almost every night (but even that is getting old, and I am starting to get worried that heavy almost nightly alcohol abuse might take its toll on my brain)
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Agreed. Getting any job right is really hard. We have people who were making 6 figures for income having to take 10 dollar an hour jobs.

I got lucky and got a NOC CNA position. I was honest and at the same time I lied. I said I wanted more direct patient contact experience. That was the truth. They wanted to know why I wanted to be a CNA. I explained to them that in order to become a PA, one needs direct patient contact experience. So I said I wanted to become a PA (that was the lie).
 
I'll be taking a year off as well, and am wondering just how available you must be/how flexible schools are with interviews (should I get any 😉). One of the options would require me to be out of the country for a while, perhaps the first few months of my year off after summer (so sept->coming back jan). While it's possible that I could fly back for interviews, I wonder how potentially pushing back some interviews (say I get one in December that I'd like to push off till January) might affect my chances. Any comments?

Oh, and as for what I'd be doing... it wouldn't exactly be a medical expedition, but moreso reconnecting with relatives who I very rarely get to see, many of whom I've only met once in my life. It would certainly be a 'for me' type of thing, rather than saving the world, but if I have enough freedom during the application process do to so, the experience would mean a lot.

To the OP: As others have said, do it. Everyone I've spoken to has convinced me that taking a year off is a great decision, though it's not necessary or fit for all people.
 
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sankondbest said:
If I had to do it again I would NOT take a year off.

Here is my situation, I have tried to find a job for the past 6 months and the only jobs willing to hire someone who is only going to be around until Aug. of the next year are fast food, dishwashing... I guess I was always upfront and honest about where I saw myself in 5 years when they asked me (which obviously screwed me at like 6-7 of my job interviews).

If you have a job lined up (that you are actually interested in) I say take the year off if you want

If you have no plan (Like me), I would say just go to medical school.

The only good thing about taking a year off is that I get to sleep in until noon almost every day and I get to go out and party almost every night (but even that is getting old, and I am starting to get worried that heavy almost nightly alcohol abuse might take its toll on my brain)
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You screwed yourself over on that one. You can't be up front with the companies and tell them that you're planning on ditching them 8 months down the road. You have to look out for youself - a company is never going to look out for your best interest. They will put you on whatever shift they want and they definitely will cut you in a second if it means saving them money.

Take the job, and respectfully give them enough notice (2 weeks minimum obviously, I gave my company 5 months (I wouldnt recommend doing that unless they promise to keep you - it ended up taking longer than that for them to find a replacement (who I ended up finding for them lol) and training them)

Remember, things always come up, and people have the right to leave a company for personal advancement. Don't feel guilty for covering the truth, but to get a good job you're going to have to.

I think there is something to be said though of getting 6-7 job interviews. While the market out there is pretty crappy yes, the jobs in science (and pharmaceuticals) do remain in good numbers. Even in a recession people need their meds, so pharmaceuticals is still a good place to be.

As for what kind of jobs to take, don't think it has to be related to medicine. You can easily take a non-medicine job and volunteer with something medically related on the side. Also don't be afraid to go to head hunters or temp agencies. Sometimes companies put positions only with these companies for jobs that are 6-9 months long for only a certain project. In this case you would be perfect for it. Just remember to negotiate your salary with the temp agency; you can probably get up to $5 an hour extra out of them.
 
So, for a good chunk of my year off I'm planning on just traveling (nothing medically related, just visiting family.. seeing the sites)

Do you think medical schools would look down on that?
 
Think long term. When you retire, will you bemoan that you were an MD for 39 istead of 40 years? doubt it.

you will probably look back fondly on your year off and wish you had taken a couple more.

The people in med school with me who went right after undergrad are exhausted and could have used the break. Many of them will choose to take 5 years to graduate and take a year to do research or go overseas.

Also, since the average age in med school is about 24, the very young ones stand out and, in many cases, could have used a year or two to mature.

Also, as others have noted, earning some money couldn't hurt.
 
Well if you go for a job, make sure not to tell them that you are going to be applying to medical school. I am way too honest and said this at my interviews for research positions. All of them turned me down because they "want someone to be here for at least 2 years."

I work in retail part-time and am enjoying the free time it allows me. I take vacation every now and then. I spend my days off playing video games, watching movies, taking fun classes, and hanging out with old friends. I would have traveled if my umbilical cord wasn't attached so tightly. As it is, I enjoyed my year off and look forward to starting med school in August.
 
Agreed about not telling places you plan to leave in a year...heck, it might not be a year. Maybe you'll decide to take off more time.

I really found that taking time off improved my work ethic and relaxed me. I was a bit burnt out after school.

I would say that you should have a back-up plan in case you can't get a job. If your family has the money to help you travel, then that's great. Make sure you do something along your travels, however, that makes your travels sound worthwhile. I bummed around Europe like a spoiled rich kid for a year isn't going to sound great to an adcom even if it's kind of the truth. Plan periodic stops to do something grounding and wholesome that you know form a cohesive narrative you will be able to talk about.

I've heard that the worst mistake young applicants make when they take a year off to relax or find themselves, is not doing anything with that year.
 
I don't think that lying about how long you plan on staying at the job will be worthwhile. 1) they may make you sign a contract - like a 2 year one and you will have to decline at that point anyway.
2) you might need them for a rec letter so telling them you plan on committing for a while and then leaving in less than a year will not look good.
 
I took this past yr off and it was one of the best things I could have done for myself. Now I am re-energized and ready to get back to business in may.
 
I absolutely HATE that I am taking a year off. I love the fact that I can do whatever I want/go out 7 nights a week if I want, meet lots of new people, travel...BUT it is VERY hard to find a job (especially one that you like) in this economy and everything that I mentioned above gets boring pretty fast. I love a good challenge and so that is why I wish I was in medical school this year rather than doing nothing other than sleeping, drinking, partying, working out and reading. If you do decide to take a year off, I suggest you line up a job before you graduate.
 
runie46 said:
So, for a good chunk of my year off I'm planning on just traveling (nothing medically related, just visiting family.. seeing the sites)

Do you think medical schools would look down on that?
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It is hard to travel during interview/application season June-Feb. Then after interview season finishes you will have financial aid, second look, scholarship stuff to do...I think your best bet would be to travel in the summer right before medical school starts.
 
canebob said:
OK, this has probably already been answered, but here is my situation and I could use some advice. I am graduating from college in 3 years (instead of the normal 4) and I am planning on going to Medical school. I have a really good GPA (3.95) and MCAT (38) so I'll get in somewhere,
BUT I was thinking of taking a year off after my third year of college and then going to medical school after that. My thinking is that it would just be like taking my senior year off or something.

Since most of you are current or past med students... what are the advantages and disadvantages of taking this year off in my situtation?

FYI.. I would probably get a job for a couple months, then use the money to travel for the rest of the year.

Thanks.
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With your grades and MCAT score, you shouldn't have any problems getting into medical school. Taking a year off after college won't hurt unless you get mixed up in felony activities. I took twenty two years off after college. I graduated from college in 1987. I'll be starting medical school this fall. Good luck,
 
Taking a year off has an opportunity cost of $200,000+

I'm taking the year off and regret every day of it.
 
muggle911 said:
I don't think that lying about how long you plan on staying at the job will be worthwhile. 1) they may make you sign a contract - like a 2 year one and you will have to decline at that point anyway.
2) you might need them for a rec letter so telling them you plan on committing for a while and then leaving in less than a year will not look good.
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Oh, true. Also, if it's the kind of job where you have to explain why you're taking time off, what are you supposed to say when you (hopefully) have interviews? I guess you could always make stuff up, but at my last job they'd reject your request for time off if it was even slightly inconvenient for them unless you had a "valid" reason to ask for time off.
 
i finished in three and am in my year off...take a year off

for your app: if you are concerned about your application, find something productive to do, the filler for your AMCAS/CV always helps

for money: if you need a job to support yourself during your year off, don't do it unless you are reasonably confident in your ability to do so (this should be a no brainer)

for yourself: if you feel the need to travel, absolutely indulge yourself. there is nothing quite like traveling for an extended period of time, and after medical school the longest you'll have any given year is around 2 weeks (give or take)

anecdotal: a majority of the people i met on the interview trail had taken time off after college before starting school, and they were interviewing at fine programs. that being said, almost all of them had filled it doing something productive.
 
It depends on how ready you are for med school. If you are ready now then go now and get it done with because you will be in your career sooner. But if you have other interests or need more ECs, then taking a year off is definately what you should do. And in regards to not finding a job; any job is better than no job right now. You could probably even just make some side money being a tutor somewhere.

But basically, if you need the break then take it.
 
but what to do in the year off....?
 
So I'm planning on heading out in January. i've been told with my stats I should get interviews pretty early, but I'm still making Jan. a tentative date.

I read somewhere that you are allowed to give permission to someone else (i.e. my mom) to fill out a Med school acceptance form for me (since I will hopefully be out of the country and virtually unreachable)

Is that true?
 
I don't see the problem with it. You're going to be busy nonstop for 4 years plus residency then "real" life begins... might as well take a year off to enjoy leisure activities..travel...play on sdn.net all day...go hiking.. cook. Whatever!
 
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