A Year Off

[JimEdmondsSucks]

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I'm think about taking a year off between undergrad and med school. I don't want to do this and just sit around and drink beer for a year, so I'm wondering what interesting/fun/worthwhile things others have done in a year off. Any suggestions, whether they would add to my application or not, are welcome.

 

[ms1finally]

I did research for a year and then I did teen drug prevention for a year. I had a full year to relax (my first year off) before the craziness of applications began. It was WONDERFUL (I had already taken the MCAT)! I liked that I didn't have to apply while enrolled in school and worrying about whether application efforts and interview travel time needed to be focused elsewhere (like schoolwork).

I think having a couple years off helped my application - showed I had gained a little bit of maturity (my undergrad record was decent, but not stellar). It helped that my jobs encompassed topics in which I was interested!

 

[topworm]

I'm think about taking a year off between undergrad and med school. I don't want to do this and just sit around and drink beer for a year, so I'm wondering what interesting/fun/worthwhile things others have done in a year off. Any suggestions, whether they would add to my application or not, are welcome.

I worked in a really boring job and didn't take much time off. I definitely wouldn't do that. If I could do it again, I might still do that job to get money, but I'd at least take all my sick days. I would have read more books while I had the time, and would have gone camping and traveling more. And sat around a lot more, just drinking beer. But that's just me.

 

[denali459]

I'm think about taking a year off between undergrad and med school. I don't want to do this and just sit around and drink beer for a year, so I'm wondering what interesting/fun/worthwhile things others have done in a year off. Any suggestions, whether they would add to my application or not, are welcome.

I took a year off and used my time for everything but medicine. I was a river guide for a summer and then a ski bum in the Rockies. It was the best thing I ever did. Now, when I start residency in July, I won't feel like I missed out on being young and stupid--not too mention the whole 'life experience' thing. Although my interview season is just beginning, I feel like my time off will be a great topic of discussion and was a huge addition to my application. Good luck!

 

[njbmd]

Hi there,
My cousin took a year off and sailed around the world. It made him a far more competitive candidate as he could readily relate many of his wonderful experiences. He ended up attending Tufts (Navy scholarship) and is now doing anesthesia.

If you take that year off, do something that puts you in touch with people. If you take a scientific research position, then volunteer for something like Habitat for Humanity or work in a soup kitchen.

If you opt for something like world travel, national travel etc. keep a journal and be ready to relate your experiences. My cousin could keep most people enthralled telling stories about Borneo and New Zealand. He is naturally gregarious too.

You don't have to go off the scale but put together something that fills all of your pre-med needs (volunteer, research) and your personal needs (money, adventure, relaxation).

njbmd 🙂