Gap Year Help

[AcesCracked]

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Hey guys, I need some help with my gap year options. I am about to graduate undergrad in May, and will take a gap year before (hopefully) attending med school (applying to both MD and DO). In my gap year, I am planning on volunteering/shadowing (although I already have 300+ shadowing hours). For income, I am in a predicament; either I could get a job to save up some money while strengthening my application, or I could continue my status as a mid-stakes poker player that nets me more than enough money to get by and live comfortably. In both cases I'd be volunteering frequently. My question really is, Would med schools look down upon my profession if I made my income from mid-stakes poker during my gap year? Would they prefer a more "standard" profession? I feel that the poker aspect could either make me stand out in a good way or a bad way. What are your thoughts? Any input is appreciated.

 

[frosted2]

Hey guys, I need some help with my gap year options. I am about to graduate undergrad in May, and will take a gap year before (hopefully) attending med school (applying to both MD and DO). In my gap year, I am planning on volunteering/shadowing (although I already have 300+ shadowing hours). For income, I am in a predicament; either I could get a job to save up some money while strengthening my application, or I could continue my status as a mid-stakes poker player that nets me more than enough money to get by and live comfortably. In both cases I'd be volunteering frequently. My question really is, Would med schools look down upon my profession if I made my income from mid-stakes poker during my gap year? Would they prefer a more "standard" profession? I feel that the poker aspect could either make me stand out in a good way or a bad way. What are your thoughts? Any input is appreciated.

Shoot, I'd volunteer and lay low with the poker stuff if I were you. Perhaps an adcom here could chime in on whether or not it will be viewed in a positive or negative manner.

I wish I were good enough at poker to make a living!

 

[Magus5454]

Hey guys, I need some help with my gap year options. I am about to graduate undergrad in May, and will take a gap year before (hopefully) attending med school (applying to both MD and DO). In my gap year, I am planning on volunteering/shadowing (although I already have 300+ shadowing hours). For income, I am in a predicament; either I could get a job to save up some money while strengthening my application, or I could continue my status as a mid-stakes poker player that nets me more than enough money to get by and live comfortably. In both cases I'd be volunteering frequently. My question really is, Would med schools look down upon my profession if I made my income from mid-stakes poker during my gap year? Would they prefer a more "standard" profession? I feel that the poker aspect could either make me stand out in a good way or a bad way. What are your thoughts? Any input is appreciated.

Honestly, if youre worried about it, dont mention it. I would say how you support yourself isnt a big deal

 

[workaholic181]

I just wouldn't mention it. I dont really think it would hurt you but there's no place on either app where you have to list how you're making a living. You could in theory get a job scribing or something else entry level health care that you could list as an additional activity, but if you're fine doing what you're doing now, I wouldn't bother.

 

[virtussis]

I would not mention it if it concerns you. I would however consider doing more in your gap year than just volunteering and shadowing, especially since you have more than enough shadowing at this point. Consider something such as scribing, or finding a research project to invest time into. While it may be less lucrative, I'm sure these things will certainly help more toward being accepted than playing poker.

 

[AcesCracked]

Thanks for the help everybody. Yes I am planning on working on some research projects etc. as well. I suppose you're right, Its probably better if i don't mention it.