Gap year = gap in knowledge?

[Nena01]

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I'm currently in my gap year and will be matriculating next Fall. I have enjoyed having a break from school and dedicating time to other activities. However, I feel like I'm forgetting a lot of the physiology and biochem from undegrad.. Can't help feeling a bit guilty I guess.

Has anyone else ever felt like they are at a disadvantage as far as getting back into the swing of things? lectures, exams, etc.

Or did you find yourself having to work harder at the beginning in order to freshen up on some concepts?

 

[Stellar Clouds]

I took a gap year before starting medical school...I don't think I had to work harder than any of my other classmates. Honestly, there's not much of a difference between taking biochem 2 years ago or 3 years ago (with a gap). If anything, I think you are better off having taken a year off--I think you'll be less prone to burn out.

 

[xffan624]

Try taking 8 years of gap between pre-med classes and medical school. One year is nothing, you'll catch up rapidly.

 

[DrEnderW]

Completely a non-issue in my opinion.

The things I did learn in undergrad came back quickly. There is such an onslaught of new information and most things are presented with a clinical twist as well. I wouldn't stress over it at all.

 

[mcloaf]

You'll be fine.

I took two years off and biochem came back pretty quickly.

 

[sLaughter]

How about on the flip-side.... Might the material you encounter in medical school be one year newer/more fresh?

 

[SixStringPsych]

I feel the same way OP.

I know people say pre-studying is a dumb idea, but I'm definitely going to look back over a few things in the months before MS1. I think that's all it'll take for me. Once the structure of med school hits I should be able to get right back into the swing of things. But everyone is different. I really enjoy the structure of school and find myself having a hard time without it for too long haha.

 

[ERPCT]

The stuff you learn in undergrad has so little to do with medical school that pre-studying will not help you. There is no "getting back in the swing of things" because med school is a completely different animal that you cannot comprehend until you start. I know that it is impossible to convince premeds of this, and I was the same way, but I am still going to try. Please, for all of us current medical students, do not waste your last summer before medical school trying to pre-study. It is impossible to do effectively, and will not benefit you in anyway.
As far as a gap year goes, same thing. You are at no disadvantage because your background knowledge really isn't all that helpful once med school starts.

 

[Nena01]

The stuff you learn in undergrad has so little to do with medical school that pre-studying will not help you. There is no "getting back in the swing of things" because med school is a completely different animal that you cannot comprehend until you start. I know that it is impossible to convince premeds of this, and I was the same way, but I am still going to try. Please, for all of us current medical students, do not waste your last summer before medical school trying to pre-study. It is impossible to do effectively, and will not benefit you in anyway.
As far as a gap year goes, same thing. You are at no disadvantage because your background knowledge really isn't all that helpful once med school starts.

Thanks! It does make sense that med school is a new beast entirely. Just going to relax for now so my brain will be fresh and ready to learn by the time orientation week comes around! 🙄

 

[Moification]

The stuff you learn in undergrad has so little to do with medical school that pre-studying will not help you. There is no "getting back in the swing of things" because med school is a completely different animal that you cannot comprehend until you start. I know that it is impossible to convince premeds of this, and I was the same way, but I am still going to try. Please, for all of us current medical students, do not waste your last summer before medical school trying to pre-study. It is impossible to do effectively, and will not benefit you in anyway.
As far as a gap year goes, same thing. You are at no disadvantage because your background knowledge really isn't all that helpful once med school starts.

I agree with this! And remember, there are plenty of non-science majors that go to med school as well. From what I understand, MS1 serves to put everyone on equal footing. Give your brain a break; do not pre-study! Enjoy your time off before you have to go back to school! I, for one, am going to spend the summer traveling 🙂