Debating between two ideas for gap years

[MrTaco92]

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So I'm currently getting ready for my 2 gap years and I'm rethinking what to do during my two years away from school. So far, all I know is that I'll be studying for the MCAT until late August-early September.

My most significant clinical experience is from volunteering (150 hrs) and I really don't have any experience that could truly qualify as hypothesis-driven research.

The original plan was to get a paid research assistant gig (preferably clinical research), do that full-time, and find random roommates to live with in a big city. I'm now considering picking up a job as a scribe (nice pay compared to most other scribe jobs) and helping out a professor at my local state school with research on a voluntary basis. If I choose the latter, I'd get to eat my mom's delicious home cooked meals, be reunited with my closest friends, and save money by living at home.

Will it be detrimental at all to choose the latter? Applying for those CRA jobs through HR is such a pain. I have a feeling applying for a scribe position would be a bit easier, and I've already spoken to a couple of PI's around home who are willing to give me work on a voluntary basis.

 

[sobored]

The latter sounds just fine. Your main focus is the MCAT. The other stuff is a distant second and neither of the 2 options sound particularly better or worse than the other.

 

[LostinLift]

Yeah I'd say scribe job at home with other ECs would be a better use of your time.

 

[Frostbite22]

I personally couldn't live at home once I left. Too much independence, but if you are fine living there I definitely would. Plus you might end up with crazy roommates, unable to secure a job, etc if you move to a bigger unfamiliar city.

 

[TheShaker]

Can you live alone on that scribe wage? I agree with what the above poster said, I can't imagine living at home for an extended period of time now that I'm living on my own. From my experience applying in the RA/CRA job market last year, it's tight right now especially if you have no experience. I think the scribe+voluntary research is a more viable option as you will getting good research experience as well, even if your parents are cramping your style (did I say that right?).

 

[MrTaco92]

Don't get me wrong, I was really looking forward to being more independent and leaving the nest. I've been applying for CRA jobs for the past two months in the northeast region but it seems I started my job hunt too early. I got two interviews where I found out at each interview that they were looking to fill the positions by June, so I figured I'd put the CRA job hunt on hold til June/July. I guess I actually have til then to make my final decision, but as of now I'm beginning to lean more toward being home for my gap years. Thanks everyone.

I personally couldn't live at home once I left. Too much independence, but if you are fine living there I definitely would. Plus you might end up with crazy roommates, unable to secure a job, etc if you move to a bigger unfamiliar city.

Can you live alone on that scribe wage? I agree with what the above poster said, I can't imagine living at home for an extended period of time now that I'm living on my own. From my experience applying in the RA/CRA job market last year, it's tight right now especially if you have no experience. I think the scribe+voluntary research is a more viable option as you will getting good research experience as well, even if your parents are cramping your style (did I say that right?).