Good ideas for a Gap Year?

[Sir T]

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Hey guys,

I've recently started considering taking a gap year. It seems many medical students suggest taking one not only for the sake of a relaxation year but also because many medical school admissions committees look favorably upon it. I plan to travel around in Europe and Asia and perhaps engage in a volunteering opportunity in a Chinese hospital.

What are some ideas that you wanted to take but never got the chanceto or an event that you would suggest?

 

[SN12357]

Hey guys,

I've recently started considering taking a gap year. It seems many medical students suggest taking one not only for the sake of a relaxation year but also because many medical school admissions committees look favorably upon it. I plan to travel around in Europe and Asia and perhaps engage in a volunteering opportunity in a Chinese hospital.

What are some ideas that you wanted to take but never got the chanceto or an event that you would suggest?

Not to be a killjoy, but you should keep in mind that if your gap year is also your *application* year, being abroad (and possibly having spotty internet access, depending on the type of traveling you enjoy) could be a major hindrance during the cycle in terms of interviews, etc.

Most people do use their gap years to polish their applications, so: research, volunteering, work experience, etc. Whatever engages you.

 

[The Kraken]

Hey guys,

I've recently started considering taking a gap year. It seems many medical students suggest taking one not only for the sake of a relaxation year but also because many medical school admissions committees look favorably upon it. I plan to travel around in Europe and Asia and perhaps engage in a volunteering opportunity in a Chinese hospital.

What are some ideas that you wanted to take but never got the chanceto or an event that you would suggest?

Have a plan for your entire time off so you aren't chilling in your apartment doing nothing for weeks. Ideally improve your application while enjoying your time off, but its your call.

 

[talinnlove]

A lot of secondaries will ask you to account for your plans during your gap year (aka your application year). You will probably want more to say than that you took a vacation, although I'm sure traveling wouldn't be frowned upon - it just shouldn't be the only major thing you do. Make sure you will have the availability to get to interviews if needed.

 

[Sir T]

Thanks! These responses have been helpful. But are there any specific ideas that you could suggest or something that you wish you could've/woudl've done during a gap year.

 

[SPQR MD]

I've been spending my gap year working as a full time medical scribe in an ER. Getting to work alongside physicians on a daily basis has been a great experience and should look good apps; not to mention as a scribe I get a head start on learning about all sorts of things. I'd look into it if you haven't already.

 

[SpaceyWacey]

I've been spending my gap year working as a full time medical scribe in an ER. Getting to work alongside physicians on a daily basis has been a great experience and should look good apps; not to mention as a scribe I get a head start on learning about all sorts of things. I'd look into it if you haven't already.

👍 This was what I wanted to do if I took a gap year, it sounds like a really awesome gig 😀

 

[LiamNeesons]

Research weather patterns in the Atlantic, build a sailboat, sail to Sweden using celestial navigation, and mail your application from there... in Swedish. Don't forget to include a health clinic within your sailboat and pick up some drowning orphans on the way.