Gap Year Job Decision

[trailmixed]

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Answered

 

[Lupercal]

I would personally recommend the MA job. In my opinion, you have plenty of research to apply to research based schools and should focus on what you consider to be weaknesses in your application. 400 is a good amount of clinical experience, but when it is immediately followed by what would be 3000+ hours of research if you take the research job, I can see some people questioning why you want to be a physician instead of obtaining a PhD. I think it would be best to have a more balanced application between clinical and research. Familiarizing yourself with the clinical setting is the goal because you will be doing that a lot in the future!

 

[passion8premed]

I would personally recommend the MA job. In my opinion, you have plenty of research to apply to research based schools and should focus on what you consider to be weaknesses in your application. 400 is a good amount of clinical experience, but when it is immediately followed by what would be 3000+ hours of research if you take the research job, I can see some people questioning why you want to be a physician instead of obtaining a PhD. I think it would be best to have a more balanced application between clinical and research. Familiarizing yourself with the clinical setting is the goal because you will be doing that a lot in the future!

I concur entirely. ^ A friend of mine who shared the same stats as you was an MA during their gap year and has received more than five acceptances!

 

[SahilMehtaMD]

I would also recommend choosing the MA job. Having clinical experience under your belt is absolutely necessary for applying to medical school. Medical schools need to know you’re committed to the arduous journey of becoming a physician, and there’s no better way to demonstrate that than by amassing an abundance of clinical experience hours.

 

[GetAdmittedMD]

I would also recommend choosing the MA job. Having clinical experience under your belt is absolutely necessary for applying to medical school. Medical schools need to know you’re committed to the arduous journey of becoming a physician, and there’s no better way to demonstrate that than by amassing an abundance of clinical experience hours.

I agree with the MA job. You have enough research time and clinical experience at this point is going to be higher yield

 

[LindaAccepted]

I am a high stats (524/3.9X) applicant with ~1750hrs of research (1 pub, 2 in review) and ~400hrs of 'clinical' experience (memory care and outpatient). Planning on applying for the June 2023 cycle.

Currently deciding between continuing working in my lab, or working as an MA (do not need certification) at a clinic. Have standing offers for both. I feel that the clinical experience is a weakness, but wonder if I am going to be applying to more research heavy schools if it is better to continue research and maybe achieve 1-2 more pubs. I am unsure if projected hours (while contracted) from the MA job, and potentially updated LORs, will actually impact my application.

Personally am more interested in trying something new with the MA job and getting familiarized within the clinical setting, however I really enjoy my lab environment and could easily see myself working there during the gap year.

Ultimately, the question is will either of these experiences impact the overall success of my application since they begin post-application, and if so what choice would be best for my situation?

You have tons of research now. I concur with the others who recommended the MA position.

 

[trailmixed]

Thank you all for the responses! Definitely leaning heavily towards the MA job.