Gap Year

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YungGeezy

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Didn't initially plan on taking a gap year after graduation before starting med school but after talking to an advisor I realized that an extra year would really help boost my resume and increase my chances of getting in. I'm graduating in spring and of course want to work in the med field in any way I can. Any suggestions? I've been thinking about being a medical scribe

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Didn't initially plan on taking a gap year after graduation before starting med school but after talking to an advisor I realized that an extra year would really help boost my resume and increase my chances of getting in. I'm graduating in spring and of course want to work in the med field in any way I can. Any suggestions? I've been thinking about being a medical scribe
Research? Scribe is good. Volunteer at a clinic. Shadow some specialists.
 
Didn't initially plan on taking a gap year after graduation before starting med school but after talking to an advisor I realized that an extra year would really help boost my resume and increase my chances of getting in. I'm graduating in spring and of course want to work in the med field in any way I can. Any suggestions? I've been thinking about being a medical scribe
How's your GPA and MCAT?
 
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I hear becoming a scribe is great experience, but apply early as it takes a while to get placed. You can also look on the healthcare section of craigslist. A lot of interesting, different opportunities there.
 
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In my biased opinion taking a gap year is one of the best things you can do, not just for your application but for yourself. I have had so many life experiences and opportunities for personal growth in the first 6 months of my gap year than I could have had if I had transitioned straight to medical school. I'm also able to prepare more for interviews. I know there are conflicting views regarding AmeriCorps on SDN, but I would highly recommend checking out some of their opportunities. I feel like I have a much better idea of what it means to serve and care for people as a result of my AmeriCorps experience. It is so much different when you are doing it day in day out 40-50 hrs/wk compared to volunteering once a week. Every day I have to pour energy into other people rather than myself and it is exhausting. More than anything though, I have learned that I love caring for people way more than I thought I would. Don't be scared away by the small wages, it's not as bad as some people make it seem, and I have built some awesome friendships along the way. Sorry for sounding preachy. I absolutely respect all types of gap year experiences, but my AmeriCorps experience has been very challenging in the best way possible.
 
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You should think about your living situation for you gap year as well. You might not be able to get away with just being a scribe if you're living by yourself in a big city because it's a minimum wage job and will barely pay for your rent/bills/food. Americorps is great and I wish I could do it, but again unless you're in a really rural/obscure place, the stipend will barely be enough to cover for your living needs. Plus, if you're thinking of saving some money to pay for the applications and plane tickets for flights, that just won't happen with being a scribe or doing americorps.
 
In my biased opinion taking a gap year is one of the best things you can do, not just for your application but for yourself. I have had so many life experiences and opportunities for personal growth in the first 6 months of my gap year than I could have had if I had transitioned straight to medical school. I'm also able to prepare more for interviews. I know there are conflicting views regarding AmeriCorps on SDN, but I would highly recommend checking out some of their opportunities. I feel like I have a much better idea of what it means to serve and care for people as a result of my AmeriCorps experience. It is so much different when you are doing it day in day out 40-50 hrs/wk compared to volunteering once a week. Every day I have to pour energy into other people rather than myself and it is exhausting. More than anything though, I have learned that I love caring for people way more than I thought I would. Don't be scared away by the small wages, it's not as bad as some people make it seem, and I have built some awesome friendships along the way. Sorry for sounding preachy. I absolutely respect all types of gap year experiences, but my AmeriCorps experience has been very challenging in the best way possible.
Thanks for the suggestion! I will definitely look into it, it sounds like an awesome experience
 
You should think about your living situation for you gap year as well. You might not be able to get away with just being a scribe if you're living by yourself in a big city because it's a minimum wage job and will barely pay for your rent/bills/food. Americorps is great and I wish I could do it, but again unless you're in a really rural/obscure place, the stipend will barely be enough to cover for your living needs. Plus, if you're thinking of saving some money to pay for the applications and plane tickets for flights, that just won't happen with being a scribe or doing americorps.
I plan on moving back home for the year with my family so I'm not too concerned about a job that pays minimum wage fortunately!
 
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