Another gap year question, what to do?

[BurghMed]

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Hi all, thanks for reading.

I have read a number of gap year threads to try my best and avoid being redundant. From all i've read, it seems that for someone taking a gap year, one of the best things they might want to consider is to address specific weak spots (for ex, if no research, consider doing research) but I am still was interested in hearing everyone's opinion given my situation.

I am a rising senior at a small mid to low tier school in California (not CA resident though) and here are a few details about myself (i'll try to be to the point):

sGPA and cGPA: ~3.8
MCAT: 33 (12/10/11)
Research: Will have about 900 hrs research in 2 labs (one at my school, one at hospital) over span of 3 years. 1 publication anticipated, multiple posters/presentations, attended a few national/regional conferences.
Shadowing: 100 hours following one doctor, and many days here and there shadowing other doctors in different specialities.
Volunteering: about 100 hrs total in 2 different ERs but plan on continuing it a bit.

With the understanding that during a gap year I should be readily accessible for interviews in the fall, I have a few ideas about what to do, but am concerned I'll waste my time and do something unproductive that won't at help my chances. Things I might like to do: improve my spanish while being in the US, do some non-clinical volunteering, do some clinical research (as I will be burned out from basic science research from undergrad)

The reason I took a gap year was to try to up the quality of my letters of recommendation, not rush into medical school, and consider doing something I won't be able to do once life in school begins again.

I'd also be happy to get a job just to make some extra money, but I want to make the most out of my year and would love to take some suggestions if you have any. Thanks!

 

[Holmwood]

I hope I'm understanding this correctly.

Many schools have secondaries where you can talk about your post graduation plans.

I applied after graduation and also planned to have a gap year prior to matriculation (at least, I hope I matriculate..)
Some of the things I wrote down was as you stated: clinically related research, non-clinical volunteering, and a SMALL emphasis on improving spanish + work.

The only difference is, I've been doing the same research and non-clinical volunteering throughout undergrad. I'm just continuing to do it during the gap year. . .

The one concern I have is that you're going to be talking about commitments you haven't actually done yet, but plan to. I could easily say that I am developing a cure for cancer over the gap break, but how do I prove this is viable if I haven't done anything relevant in the past?

If you feel that doing your aforementioned will make or break your application, then perhaps you should wait until next cycle. Either that or start doing non-clinical volunteering and clinically relevant research before the summer of application so you have something to talk about in your primary application (not just secondary).

Please tell me if I'm understanding this wrong. I'm not confident about my comprehension. : X

 

[BurghMed]

I completely understand, thanks a ton. I do understand the concern that anything put on secondaries about post-graduation plans is, for the most part, speculation unless a position is already guaranteed during the summer/year. I do see the importance in saying on an application that you already have a spot at a particular job in the future, so that on the application it's not up in the air, and also during potential interviews you are actually in the process of "accomplishing" something, whatever that may be, and not just sitting around.

I am hesitant, however, to just do some volunteering here and there, and "work" on improving my spanish (in the US) like you are currently , without having anything concrete to really say. I think it might be what I'll end up doing, but am still looking for what else might be out there. I've also been looking at various fellowships available, but many seem to require either being out of the country, a 2 year commitment, or is simply a position not biomedically related and I would therefore be unlike to obtain. It seems harder than I initially thought it would be to find something worthwhile, meaningful, and make moderate financial sense. Granted, I have no real skill set besides a GPA and mcat score, and so am understanding of why it's so hard to find a spot out there somewhere.

 

[Holmwood]

I completely understand, thanks a ton. I do understand the concern that anything put on secondaries about post-graduation plans is, for the most part, speculation unless a position is already guaranteed during the summer/year. I do see the importance in saying on an application that you already have a spot at a particular job in the future, so that on the application it's not up in the air, and also during potential interviews you are actually in the process of "accomplishing" something, whatever that may be, and not just sitting around.

I am hesitant, however, to just do some volunteering here and there, and "work" on improving my spanish (in the US) like you are currently , without having anything concrete to really say. I think it might be what I'll end up doing, but am still looking for what else might be out there. I've also been looking at various fellowships available, but many seem to require either being out of the country, a 2 year commitment, or is simply a position not biomedically related and I would therefore be unlike to obtain. It seems harder than I initially thought it would be to find something worthwhile, meaningful, and make moderate financial sense. Granted, I have no real skill set besides a GPA and mcat score, and so am understanding of why it's so hard to find a spot out there somewhere.

Woah, hold onto your self doubt.
You already have an excellent background as is. The non-medical volunteer work is easy. Just find something to work with your community that gives you freedom in time commitment. If schoolsonwheels is operating in your area, give them a call! It's a super awesome program, and you get to learn so much about your community's underserved.

As for research, don't get bogged down on doing something clinically relevant. You can relate ANY research to the practice of medicine. You can try to extrapolate that particular research experience of yours to specific medical applications, but I don't think there's any need. The scientific process (observation, hypothesis-testing, evidence-based methods, etc), piecing together current literature, and communication skills (from poster presentations) can all give you an advantage in your work as a physician.

AND REMEMBER. Medicine is rooted in the basic sciences. Clinical applications come from translational research. Know what i'm sayin?

 

[BurghMed]

Thanks, and I totes know what you're saying. I'm not too concerned about finding non clinical volunteering that's available as much as I am trying to do something I won't be able to accomplish/do once medical school starts such as 1) learn more spanish or 2) do something exotic/travel in addition to the volunteering. At the same time, I don't wanna tear my hair out thinking I'm just sitting around. To be completely honest, while I think doing non clinical volunteering for a year is enormously honorable, I am concerned that ADCOMS would think I'm a little facetious by suggesting I took a gap year for good reason when I end up just volunteering somewhere, but what do i know? (nothing). I could also use some extra money.

I'm leaning towards performing clinical research (hopefully paid if possible, even if minimum) to really demonstrate commitment to the field (also genuinely interested in it, even if its me+excel). I do understand however, that its not easy to find such positions that aren't during the summer. In any case, I'll keep looking around for things to do are interesting