Gap year betwen 3rd and 4th year UG

[RunningToad]

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I'm thinking of taking a year off after 3rd year UG, then coming back to completing my 4th year UG.

My reason for this is because I've been given a once in a lifetime opportunity for traveling and volunteer work.

How would medical schools look upon this?

 

[NickNaylor]

inb4 OP lashes out on everyone

 

[RunningToad]

inb4 OP lashes out on everyone

*******.

 

[mauberley]

I'm thinking of taking a year off after 3rd year UG, then coming back to completing my 4th year UG.

My reason for this is because I've been given a once in a lifetime opportunity for traveling and volunteer work.

How would medical schools look upon this?

How will the responses to this question affect your decision-making?

 

[RunningToad]

How will the responses to this question affect your decision-making?

Very little.

 

[CodeBlu]

Do it. Be prepared to answer questions as to why you took gaps in your education.

To everyone reading this... I think adcoms, and maybe someone else can comment on this...

Care about who you are. So you took a year off to volunteer and travel? Big deal? What did you learn? If you're doing something to "looK good" on an application. Then you will hate your life while doing it. If you don't like volunteering at soup kitchens, because poor people smell. Then don't do it.
(although, medicine is a smelly profession, better grab some menthol to rub your nose in)

 

[mauberley]

Very little.

Good. Then, the answer to your question is "they probably will reserve judgment on it until more information is provided."

 

[Ride Big Sky]

I have no idea if this will change anything for you or not, but taking a year off from school will trigger your loans to go into repayment.

 

[Avoidthetiger]

I have no idea if this will change anything for you or not, but taking a year off from school will trigger your loans to go into repayment.

+1. that's the only thing that would prevent me from going... but if the trip was free, I would def go.... or amazing.

Regardless - go for it. Who cares what med school thinks?!? Enjoy being young while you can!

 

[RunningToad]

So the consensus is that it won't make much effect as long as I have some good stories to tell?

I don't have any loans to pay, so that's not an issue. I just don't want them to think that I'm not dedicated to school or some other BS.

 

[mauberley]

So the consensus is that it won't make much effect as long as I have some good stories to tell?

I wouldn't say "good stories to tell," just "good justification."

 

[zaibur]

My close friend/mentor took a gap year between his 3rd and 4th year and we was accepted by Pritzker (with substantial scholarship), Umich, among other med schools.

So if you have a solid justification and app, it shouldn't hurt you.

 

[NightGod]

Once in a lifetime opportunity = I can't imagine anyone holding it against you when you're applying.

 

[Tapepsi]

Well that depends...where exactly are you going and what will you be doing?

If it involves Africa or babies (or both...which is ideal) I'd say go for it. 👍

 

[sector9]

If it involves Africa or babies (or both...which is ideal) I'd say go for it. 👍

Ideal like this? http://www.pandabearmd.com/2006/05/26/my-personal-statement/

 

[Tapepsi]

Ideal like this? http://www.pandabearmd.com/2006/05/26/my-personal-statement/

No doubt would I give an automatic acceptance to this applicant based on the PS alone.