Gap Year Dilemma

[xxabi]

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Hi everyone,

So I'm in a dilemma regarding my gap year while applying to med school. I'm debating between two jobs in two different locations, so I know this question has been answered before in separate capacities but I'd like insight on deciding based on job and location.

I have an offer to be a out-patient scribe (8-5 pm vs the usual overnight scribing) in Louisiana. Went to school there so if I went back, I'd gain residency and the two LSU medical schools highly favor in state residents and I think I stand a good chance of at least getting an interview at both (says my counselor), but there's always a risk. My LizzyM is around a 67, hence why I could you all the help that in state residency would give me in Louisiana. I'd be living on my own, and pretty much living month to month since I won't be making that much after paying for basic needs like rent, insurance, transportation, food, etc, but could definitely have enough to survive.

I also received an offer for a Medical Receptionist/Assistant position in my hometown. It's 60% front office, 40% back office. It pays a few dollars more per hour, and I would be living at home so most financial costs would be taken care of minus transportation which is minimal. Downside though is that it would mean I'd keep my CA residency, which wouldn't help me much since the UCs as everyone knows are very competitive. But I don't think I stand a very good chance of MD if I stay in CA, as my stats aren't that competitive for MD in general.

I am definitely applying to both DO and MD, and would be fine going to DO but obviously the ideal situation is going to an MD, mostly because I'd like to specialize in the tougher internal medicine specialities. Also, not sure if this is relevant but I won't be submitting my primary until Friday, which is more of an issue for MD and DO and could hinder my chances at MD as well.

Sorry for the unnecessarily long post, would appreciate any feedback as honest as it could be. I've been on the forums for some time and have run into threads about switching residency and gap year positions but nothing quite like my situation, but if I missed a relevant post, I apologize and would love if someone could link it below.

Thanks ahead of time!

 

[xxabi]

Delete thread please.

 

[efle]

Delete thread please.

You can't delete threads unless you donate money. Just edit your post and replace all the text with [top secret - redacted]

 

[GrapesofRath]

Hi everyone,

So I'm in a dilemma regarding my gap year while applying to med school. I'm debating between two jobs in two different locations, so I know this question has been answered before in separate capacities but I'd like insight on deciding based on job and location.

I have an offer to be a out-patient scribe (8-5 pm vs the usual overnight scribing) in Louisiana. Went to school there so if I went back, I'd gain residency and the two LSU medical schools highly favor in state residents and I think I stand a good chance of at least getting an interview at both (says my counselor), but there's always a risk. My LizzyM is around a 67, hence why I could you all the help that in state residency would give me in Louisiana. I'd be living on my own, and pretty much living month to month since I won't be making that much after paying for basic needs like rent, insurance, transportation, food, etc, but could definitely have enough to survive.

I also received an offer for a Medical Receptionist/Assistant position in my hometown. It's 60% front office, 40% back office. It pays a few dollars more per hour, and I would be living at home so most financial costs would be taken care of minus transportation which is minimal. Downside though is that it would mean I'd keep my CA residency, which wouldn't help me much since the UCs as everyone knows are very competitive. But I don't think I stand a very good chance of MD if I stay in CA, as my stats aren't that competitive for MD in general.

I am definitely applying to both DO and MD, and would be fine going to DO but obviously the ideal situation is going to an MD, mostly because I'd like to specialize in the tougher internal medicine specialities. Also, not sure if this is relevant but I won't be submitting my primary until Friday, which is more of an issue for MD and DO and could hinder my chances at MD as well.

Sorry for the unnecessarily long post, would appreciate any feedback as honest as it could be. I've been on the forums for some time and have run into threads about switching residency and gap year positions but nothing quite like my situation, but if I missed a relevant post, I apologize and would love if someone could link it below.

Thanks ahead of time!

I think you might already know the answer to this question. If you want to maximize your chances at an MD having the LA residence is the way to go. It'll be more uncomfortable probably living away from home and living check to check, but those 2 in-state LA schools are a big draw(I think one of the LSU's interviews about half of their IS applicants) What are your actual stats(not Lizzy score)? There are major variations in what a 67 Lizzy M score can mean
If it is a 3.6/31, you're in solid shape. If it's more like a 3.3/34, then things become a lot dicier.

Because if they really are on the low side(ie 3.3 GPA or something) then really you need the LA residence to have any realistic chance this cycle for MD.

 

[xxabi]

I think you might already know the answer to this question. If you want to maximize your chances at an MD having the LA residence is the way to go. It'll be more uncomfortable probably living away from home and living check to check, but those 2 in-state LA schools are a big draw(I think one of the LSU's interviews about half of their IS applicants) What are your actual stats(not Lizzy score)? There are major variations in what a 67 Lizzy M score can mean
If it is a 3.6/31, you're in solid shape. If it's more like a 3.3/34, then things become a lot dicier.

Because if they really are on the low side(ie 3.3 GPA or something) then really you need the LA residence to have any realistic chance this cycle for MD.

Thanks so much for responding. My undergrad GPA was a 3.4cum/3.2science. 3.7 in my SMP. 30 on my MCAT, getting my June scores tomorrow and based on percentiles I should be around 31-32.

 

[catie_jane]

If you are just submitting your primary application now and haven't gotten the job in LA yet, I don't think the schools down there would consider you a resident

 

[xxabi]

If you are just submitting your primary application now and haven't gotten the job in LA yet, I don't think the schools down there would consider you a resident

I already have two part-time job offers there that are waiting for my response Monday. I am hoping to submit my primary app tomorrow once I make my decision. When I spoke to LSU admissions, they said as long as I have a job/lease/etc by Aug 1, I will qualify as a resident.

 

[catie_jane]

I already have two part-time job offers there that are waiting for my response Monday. I am hoping to submit my primary app tomorrow once I make my decision. When I spoke to LSU admissions, they said as long as I have a job/lease/etc by Aug 1, I will qualify as a resident.

Oh I see, thats pretty lucky. In MA they required us to be an independent in the state of MA for 7 years

 

[GrapesofRath]

Thanks so much for responding. My undergrad GPA was a 3.4cum/3.2science. 3.7 in my SMP. 30 on my MCAT, getting my June scores tomorrow and based on percentiles I should be around 31-32.

Which SMP program? One with med school classes?

If it is a reputable one or one with med school classes I think you'll be fine from LA with a 3.7 SMP and 30 MCAT with a broad thorough list.

 

[xxabi]

Oh I see, thats pretty lucky. In MA they required us to be an independent in the state of MA for 7 years

Yes, it is really is. I'm also considering doing it because I went to school there for the past 5 years too, and have grown to like the state. So it won't just look like I'm moving for residency but actually staying on in the area after graduating. I think if someone were to move there without ties, it wouldn't help them as much.

Which SMP program? One with med school classes?

If it is a reputable one or one with med school classes I think you'll be fine from LA with a 3.7 SMP and 30 MCAT with a broad thorough list.

Yup, with medical school classes. I think I've decided it is worthwhile to move back, especially because I'd be happy to stay in LA for medical school. Thanks so much for your feedback!