Gap year on secondary apps

[MarshallW]

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Hello all,

I am working on some secondary apps (yes I know I am late...) and I was wondering how you think admissions people view gap year activities?

As a non-trad, I worked pretty much full time through my post-bacc classes as an architect/contractor. Now that I am no longer taking classes, I am working my butt off to save money in hopes of spending it all on med school. Unfortunately it is the only way I know how to make a decent amount of money with my current skill set.

I have volunteered to coach my local rec. wrestling team in the winter, and plan on dedicating one day a week to volunteering at a hospice center.

Do you think it looks bad that I am still architecting/contracting? Am I supposed to find a low paying job or travel to Guatemala to further prove my dedication to this career change?

 

[mauberley]

Hello all,

I am working on some secondary apps (yes I know I am late...) and I was wondering how you think admissions people view gap year activities?

As a non-trad, I worked pretty much full time through my post-bacc classes as an architect/contractor. Now that I am no longer taking classes, I am working my butt off to save money in hopes of spending it all on med school. Unfortunately it is the only way I know how to make a decent amount of money with my current skill set.

I have volunteered to coach my local rec. wrestling team in the winter, and plan on dedicating one day a week to volunteering at a hospice center.

Do you think it looks bad that I am still architecting/contracting? Am I supposed to find a low paying job or travel to Guatemala to further prove my dedication to this career change?

I think you're fine. I worked throughout my gap year and wasn't soon anything else.

 

[DrMidlife]

Do you think it looks bad that I am still architecting/contracting? Am I supposed to find a low paying job or travel to Guatemala to further prove my dedication to this career change?

Nobody is going to argue with having to make a living. But you do need to show that you've been exposed to clinical environments, and that you know what you're getting into with the US healthcare system.

Best of luck to you.