Gap Year

[avidambition11]

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I have been thinking about taking a year off before medical school. I have a great undergrad GPA(3.9+), lots of ECs, and research, but my MCAT score is seriously lacking (22M). I am signed up to retake the MCAT this summer (early August), but I have had a difficult time studying between working and classes. My application essays still need a lot of work, too.
Overall, I just think I am burning out and I would really like a year off before going in for the long haul. I have seen several threads about gap year activities, and I would love to spend time volunteering in a hospital and working a part time job, but also just relaxing, reading, and traveling (if I have the opportunity to).
I have one large problem with this idea, though: My parents! Does anyone have any ideas on how to convince them that this is a good idea? Or is it even a good idea? Am I the only one that has had this problem?

 

[Mbeas]

It's your life. Do what you want with it.

I'm taking a gap year too...initially my parents didn't want me to do it of course, but they came around.

 

[Drrrrrr. Celty]

I personally have the same problem. My parents are opposed to the idea of me spending a year doing what I want. I've actually decided that I'll tell them that I'll be doing research because it'll help me to get into a better residency program. I've also been thinking about getting into a 1 year MPH program during my gap year.

 

[maverick2011]

It seems to me you are already heavily leaning to take the gap year. When I spoke with doctors and medical students about this, most of them supported the gap year idea. It gives you the opportunity to explore something that you may not be able to delve into at medical school (or perhaps as a doctor). Even if you do something clinical/research related, you will have a year to become more acquainted with the medical field.

True, it is also a year away from the grind of school, which (from what people have told me) is a great idea before diving into the massive amounts of information you'll be learning in medical school. But, IMO, don't think that you are taking a year off... you are not, and schools will want to know what you are doing during that year to enhance yourself and expand your experiences.

Also, with your GPA and experiences, there is no reason your MCAT should be so low. It seems you were unprepared when you first took it. As anyone on this forum will tell you, don't take the MCAT if you are not prepared! Taking it in August is fine only if you feel ready to take it at that point (and it seems you may not be given your other commitments).

Don't base this decision on your parents... think about each option carefully and decide for yourself. They will come around eventually no matter what you choose; I know mine did.

 

[pavlovb]

You seem like a responsible person, act like one too! Your parents cannot decide your future for you, you are the one in charge!!!!