Have you wished taking a year break between med school & undergrad?

[DemonDeacon]

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Y'all, I'm so burned out... I'm a senior in undergrad and am considering taking a year off productively. Would you guys say go for it? Or do you think we should just suck it up and dive right in?

If you've done it, or not, plz let me know what your thoughts are about this. My parents aren't exactly too keen with this.

 

[renox9]

I didn't take a year off, but then again I didn't feel too burned out senior year. Now I'm 10 weeks into med school and I'm happy that I just kept going, because this way I feel like my study habits are extremely fine tuned and I have this learning momentum of sorts. I think if I had taken time off I may have lost some study skills here and there, and getting back into the swing of things would have been tough.

But do what you think is best for you, if you're so burned out that you think you won't be able to handle what med school throws at you then you know what to do.

Even though I'm happy that I didn't take time off between undergrad and med school...on those friday nights in the library when I see missed calls on my phone from my friends who aren't in med school and are going out on the town...well, I just get a little bitter and jealous and wish I had fewer responsibilities. Ahh the lessons of delayed gratification...

 

[GoodMonkey]

take time off.
take time off.
take time off.
TAKE TIME OFF.

it's not for everyone. or some people may need more time than others. but if you're feeling burned out right now - TAKE TIME OFF. and for pete's sake - do it for yourself and not for your parents. your parents aren't the ones who are going to have to get through med school (a trying endeavor in itself, without feeling burned out to begin with.) ... i took nearly 4 years off and had no problem getting back into the school environment and studying. i just look at it like a job.

 

[bkmonkey]

I took three years off and I think that it was the best decision I've made in a long time. So many of my classmates who didn't take any time off are already burning out...

 

[PianoGirl04]

YES! I went straight from high school to college to med school, and I started to burn out halfway through college. I'm still pushing on, but my motivation is gone and I can't concentrate at all. I really feel like I should have taken a year off, but it's kind of late now. At this point, I'd rather go straight through med school and get it over with. So...seriously consider it now, between college and med school. And if you can, apply now but defer admission so you don't have to deal with applying during your year off.

 

[SaltySqueegee]

Take the summer before med school off, but don't take a year. 👍

 

[felipe5]

unless you have something worthwhile to do, I'd say just go straight into med-school. Everyone gets burnt out (or reeeeeeally close to it) at some point, so don't think that taking time off will make you immune

 

[fourthyearmed]

You're going to burn out at some point no matter what. We all do! Take the summer off before med school and then the summer after first year. I think it will be a lot harder to get back in the study mode after a year off and you may not even be able to get yourself to go back at that point. Do it now, the sooner you get med school/residency over with, the sooner you get to be a physician and have control over your own schedule (I know, there will always be call and long hours but at least you'll be doing what you want and you can work part time, etc. if you need a break)

 

[StringBean]

Another one here for taking some time off! 🙂 I took 2 years off between college and med school and I'm soooo glad I did! There's no reason to rush, if your just finishing college your VERY young and should take advantage of that! There's so much more to taking time off then just avoiding burnout. Once you start med school medicine becomes the center of everything (at least for a long while), take some time now to experience the things that you love (outside of medicine), to learn more about yourself and to get more life experience under your belt... life's NOT all about school! Work, play, and make some memories. 😍

I didn't feel like I lost my edge studying AT ALL! If anything I felt refreshed and ready to conquer! I felt like I took time out for ME... and now that I have NO time for ME I look back and thank God I had that time. Most people I talk to who took time off have said they feel the same way... and most people who did not say they wish they had! Do it! Take some time out for you... your going to spend the rest of your life taking time out for everyone else.

Good luck with everything! 🙂

~Bean

 

[phllystyl]

I took two yrs off as well. Was worth it. Being in the real world for a bit definitely helped to motivate me when things got tough through the first and second yrs of medical school.

 

[lattimer13]

i took a year off and worked as a tech in an ED. it was fun and i got to hang with my friends and make lots of money since i moved back in with my family. no problem with the time off and getting back into school mode.

if you're applying right now and get in some schools do give you the option to defer a year...so maybe that would be a good option.

best of luck.

 

[SaltySqueegee]

i took a year off and worked as a tech in an ED. it was fun and i got to hang with my friends and make lots of money since i moved back in with my family. no problem with the time off and getting back into school mode.

if you're applying right now and get in some schools do give you the option to defer a year...so maybe that would be a good option.

best of luck.

Did you make as much money as you would have by having an extra year's worth of an MD's salary down the road?

Probably not.

Do it for the fun, but not the money.

 

[omarsaleh66]

u can take 4 years off and still burn out in med school. man get it over with and start making MONEY!!!!

 

[pharmer]

I second taking just the summer off before med school and then taking the summer off between first and second year. I went straight through 6 years of pharmacy school and into med school (which has got to be about as trying as any academic schedule) and by following what I said above have never felt burned out. I noticed by about the second month of not doing anything during those vacations I started to get, dare I say.....bored and wanted something to do during the day atleast.

 

[twinklz]

If you take a year off working some office type of job it will make you appreciate even more your chance to go to medical school. Being someone else's lackey, where you have no choice in what you do and when asked to jump, you respond with how high? gives you a better sense of what most of the "real world" jobs have to deal with.

So when you're thinking about how rough medical school is and whether or not its worth it, you can think back to your previous job and come to the conclusion that ...yes, its worth it to have a job that gives you a fair degree of autonomy, intellectual challenge, and spiritual and monetary compensation.

Not only will you recover from your "burn-out," it will light a fire under you to work through any future burn-outs.

 

[kate88]

Take a year off! I agree with previous that you should fill it with something meaningful and that you really want to do. This is your last chance to NOT be a doctor/med student. Do community service, get a crazy job, spend the year surfing. I did something totally unmedically related and loved it. I know that I am way better off for it.

 

[Claymore]

Take a year off. Use that year to relax and do some of the things you've always wanted to, like travel. Enjoy yourself, but don't blow off the year. I worked for a year after undergrad as a research assistant...easy job, made a little money, and got published. I had tons of free time and wound up saving a lot of $$ so that I could take out smaller loans once school started. Now I have less debt than many of my friends.

This may be one of your last opportunities to take a significant amount of time off. Take advantage.

 

[menemotxi]

I must put another vote in the TAKE A YEAR OFF column. Speaking from experience (I am currently deferring until next fall), this is the best decision I've ever made. I've been sleeping a lot, reading, visiting old friends, going out all the time, etc. I intern during the day in a cubicle and moonlight as a bartender where I can drink on the clock with all the hot girls that hang out there, and I absolutely love it. Any time I've doubted my decision, I call up my freinds who've already started and listen to them complain about studying for 15 hours straight before a test. Then I think about all the fun I'm having.

I'll be leaving for Sydney, OZ in two weeks and will be gone til April. Upon my return I'm going to Costa Rica for intensive language training. If you have the slightest inclination to take a break I'd say definitely go for it. This is the one chance you have to go nuts before the rest of your life starts. My parents also weren't too keen on the idea. I pretty much told them they weren't paying for anything anyway, so back off. Go get your relaxation on with a deferral before the storm comes. If you have any questions about deferring, pm me.

M

 

[DemonDeacon]

Thanks guys for all the help, I appreciate it a lot!

My parents were furious last night, the want me to get done asap. Oh well.


But yeah, since middle school, I've been doing summer school EVERY summer till now. I've sworn on everything holy I'm not taking school this summer. I really need time to just wind down from the tremendously hectic times the past few years.

Keep the advice coming!!

 

[dsblaha]

I took 3 years off before coming to med school. I am really glad I did. I was able to make and save some money, I feel much more financially secure than I otherwise would. This also gave me the freedom to travel and spend some relaxing time with my wife.

However, it has been very difficult for me to adjust to studying again. Especially considering the workload. I am starting to get back into it, but the transition is rough.

 

[leechy]

I'm in the middle of some time off, and it is really wonderful. I was pretty burnt out by the end of college - tired of school and having to study on the weekends and being tied to the computer / desk. I knew I needed a break from the 24-7 drudgery of school.

I feel I'll probably look back on my time off as some of the most relaxing yet fun times in my life. I haven't done anything dramatic, but I've gotten to try a lot of different new things, and pursue some old hobbies that are close to my heart. I've also read a lot on subjects of importance to me (I've probably learned more than I did in college!).

It's great just being able to do what you want - hang out with friends, travel a little, read books, etc, without the onus of school. I was able to plump up my coffers a bit as well with some work, and my experiences solidified my desire to enter medicine rather than be a wage slave.

To be frank, although I look forward to my medical career, I don't think it'll be such a paradise that I will regret having spent a year of my life doing fun things and just relaxing. That option will not be available to me when I'm in my forties working at a busy practice. My bottom line is: Life isn't a race to a finish line. Feel free to have some fun and relax if that's what you want to do. If you feel ready to go straight ahead, that's entirely fine too. It's a personal decision. Good luck to you with whatever you decide.

 

[GoodMonkey]

Thanks guys for all the help, I appreciate it a lot!

My parents were furious last night, the want me to get done asap. Oh well.


But yeah, since middle school, I've been doing summer school EVERY summer till now. I've sworn on everything holy I'm not taking school this summer. I really need time to just wind down from the tremendously hectic times the past few years.

Keep the advice coming!!

holy hell.
1) it's you and NOT your parents that will have to make it through medical school. do what is best for YOU; you are an adult.
2) good gawd summer school every summer? seriously take some time off. live a little. LIVE A LITTLE. there is more to life than just schooling.

 

[stomper627]

holy hell.
1) it's you and NOT your parents that will have to make it through medical school. do what is best for YOU; you are an adult.
2) good gawd summer school every summer? seriously take some time off. live a little. LIVE A LITTLE. there is more to life than just schooling.

Agreed....youve got some serious issues rolling with your parents. Its your life not theirs. take time off. Back pack through Europe for 6 months or if you cant affford that (its really cheap....the most expensive thing will be your plane ticket)....haul off and take some road trips across this country. Get drunk (judging by your stories I dont think you do), date, have casual sex, be young....
Sure, youd be making money earlier (by 1 year....big deal) but youll learn so much more about yourself and whats important. YOU CAN ALWAYS MAKE MONEY.....YOU WONT BE IN YOUR EARLY 20s VERY LONG!!!! Best thing I ever did was take time off....
stomper

 

[DOtobe]

Yet another vote for the "take time off" option. I took a year off between finishing college and starting med school. It was not what I intended to do (I went through the med school application cycle and was waitlisted at every place I interviewed) but I am so glad that it ended up working out that way. It was one of the best things I ever did.

I agree with what twinklz said in a previous post - if you take a more "common" type of job it will make you appreciate your opportunity to become a doctor even more. In my year off I did a totally non-academic related job - I worked as a cashier in a grocery store, and working at the store for that year made me realize that I never want to do that again! Working a job like that lights a fire under you and makes you really want to succeed.

If you are burned out now, you are really going to be burned out when med school starts. I agree with the other posters who said it is your decision, not your parents. I understand (I have parents that can be a little overbearing at times), but your parents need to realize that you are an adult and are capable of making your own decisions.

 

[DrMom]

I agree with what twinklz said in a previous post - if you take a more "common" type of job it will make you appreciate your opportunity to become a doctor even more. In my year off I did a totally non-academic related job - I worked as a cashier in a grocery store, and working at the store for that year made me realize that I never want to do that again! Working a job like that lights a fire under you and makes you really want to succeed.

I really wish that more people would take a year off to work in something completely non-medical like you did. Many need a good dose of perspective.

I recently ran into a physician (specialist) who is married to a physician (sub-specialist). Their combined income has to be at least $700,000 based on their areas of work & years of experience. This physician actually said to me that she thinks they could possibly survive on one income. Considering they make more in one month than my family income for the year is (and we live quite comfortably in the same community) she's really out-of-touch. I see some classmates who are going to be just the same.

 

[DrRads101]

I think you will find that almost everyone that took time off from school is glad they did, and would definetly do it again. Add another one to the vote of take time off. My God man, there is SO much more to life than sitting and studying.

And the thing is that people don't realize who DIDN'T take time off is how much more motivated you are to do well in school later on if you did. I worked in an office setting for one year after college. Everytime med school gets a little rough I think back to that awful job, and IMMEDIATELY I feel better about my situation and have a fire lit beneath me. There are so many people in my class who have taken time off after college, and they seem so much more mature than those that didn't and who only know school. It really diversifies you---get out in the real world and work like everyone else for a while. As far as I know, medical schools love to see this though because it shows you can grow and do something other than study. One thing is for sure, taking time off to grow and try other things other than school will definetly not hurt your chances of medical school admissions---it will probably help if anything.

 

[hedera916]

I didn't take a year off, and it was okay. Then again I really was ecstatic into going to med! Well, I'd say if you're burnt out and unsure you can try getting a job that's non-medical and see how you like it. But maybe all you need is a summer off.🙂

 

[banana k]

i just got my acceptance letter, halfway through my grad school thesis, and everyone said, DROP THE THESIS AND GO NOW! but instead i'm finishing the last 8 months of the thesis and taking another 8 off until med school starts in february. best thing i ever decided. time off gives you life perspective (which you need to connect with people--HELLO, PATIENT COMMUNICATION) and a heap of doctors i know are kicking themselves for not getting deeper into science before medicine anyway, to give them that perspective as well.

take time off!!! what is with this american obsession with nonstop education? go have a life!

~k

 

[SaltySqueegee]

Everyone has good advice on this forum, but I would like to clarify a few reasons why I did not take time off:

1) I worked in the industry as a information lackey for 8 years during high school and college, and was ready to move on.

2) Most everyone is burnt out to some degree about 2 months in to medical school, so an extra year rest would not make much of a difference.

The key to keeping your head above water is having an arsenal of study techniques. The saying, "Know thy self," goes a long way. Know how you study, work best, and exploit that to the umpteenth degree while in medical school. Also, do some sort of EC while in school, it will save your mind and break up the monotony of the constant information influx. 👍

 

[Sean2tall]

I had about 8 months off after graduating, since I finished in December, although I hardly call it "off." I worked at a molecular bio lab during that time, and I honestly felt like I was the only one of my friends that was actually working hard, with everybody else either in school or doing a fluffy summer job. It was nice to have some money, but now that I am medical school I feel like the real break has begun. I am sitting at home by 3:00 everyday (at the latest!), studying however much I feel like.

Anyways, there are different kinds of "breaks" between undergrad and med school. I don't think anybody will tell you you're wrong if you're going to travel Europe and hang out. But now that I'm back in school, I definitely have the easy life again. That time definitely put things in perspective on what is a difficult schedule.

Sean

 

[lilnix]

i hope all this advice is helping, because deciding to take time off is your decision. i took a yr off and it was the best thing i could have done. i decided my junior yr in college that i wanted a yr off. it doesn't even have to be about feeling burnt out, i think you gain a lot from getting a job, not having to worry about tests/papers, and hanging out at your leisure. but hey, that's just my opinion. i met so many people during that yr that i would never have met if i was in school. good luck with whatever you decide!

 

[Blake]

2) Most everyone is burnt out to some degree about 2 months in to medical school, so an extra year rest would not make much of a difference.

😕 Don't get me wrong, some people will find it extremely hard and challenging. But come on, most people burning out after 2 months ? It's been 8 weeks and I am not seeing any signs of depression in my class so far. I always get the feeling people are creating a '' myth '' around med school. I still have a lot of things to see, but from what I've seen, it's definitely not hell on earth. 😎

 

[PMPMD]

😕 Don't get me wrong, some people will find it extremely hard and challenging. But come on, most people burning out after 2 months ? It's been 8 weeks and I am not seeing any signs of depression in my class so far. I always get the feeling people are creating a '' myth '' around med school. I still have a lot of things to see, but from what I've seen, it's definitely not hell on earth. 😎

Just wait

 

[SaltySqueegee]

😕 Don't get me wrong, some people will find it extremely hard and challenging. But come on, most people burning out after 2 months ? It's been 8 weeks and I am not seeing any signs of depression in my class so far. I always get the feeling people are creating a '' myth '' around med school. I still have a lot of things to see, but from what I've seen, it's definitely not hell on earth. 😎

Burn out = That stupid Premed, I got into Medical School Smile, is replaced by the gitty smile from lack of sleep.

People start skipping classes to opt for more sleep.

So far, depression hasn't been a problem for me or my friends. I know of only one of my friends that is beginning to feel "down."

Yet another clarification,

-Salty

 

[Charlotte York]

I agree: take time off. I was not burned out by the time I left undergrad, but I was totally jaded. Now I'm working as an analyst where the hours are rough and where I have no interest in making edits to version 75 of whatever Excel worksheet we are working on. But I keep on. Working in this pressured/competitive environment has completely reformed my work ethic and I think it will cause me to appreciate medical school more. It has also made me realize that money is not everything. If I stay in this career path, I am likely to make more money than the average MD. But, I could not stand to come to a job I don't like for the rest of my life. I realize now that medicine is definitely what I want to do.

 

[dara678]

Take time off. I went straight from high school to college to med school, and now I'm kind of burned out. I even taught lab straight until three days before classes started. I wished I had taken the year off to do some work, make some money, feel like a REAL person instead of just some student in limbo. Med school is great, but it's even better if you have a fresh attitude and approach.

 

[Ypo.]

Personally I would not take more than a year off. And I would only do so if I had already taken the MCAT, and did not need to improve my application in any other way (ie -lack of volunteering, or shadowing), or needed to bring my GPA up.

I ended up taking two years off before getting accepted-won't start medical school until next August-and no, I did not follow the advice I stated above. ( waited a year after I graduated to take the MCAT, and at this point I feel like I could have a masters degree...) I really didn't like the feeling of not knowing whether or not I would get accepted. Now that I am accepted, I feel pretty relaxed.

Then again, I went to undergrad in Hawaii, took a year off in undergrad, too, and haven't felt like I was burnt out. 😀

 

[erin682]

I think if you think you want to take time off you should go ahead and do it. I mean what is a year compared to the rest of your life working. If you do take time off do something that you really enjoy not to make lots of money. You can always get all the loans you need to take care of your med school expenses.
If you decide not to take time off I would make sure that you do something fun after your first year. Quite honestly the stuff I did last summer and my plans for this coming summer are whats keeping me going right now.
Good luck in your decision.

 

[spaz]

another vote for taking the time off. 👍
a lot of people have mentioned taking a break from the intensity of school, with which i wholeheartedly agrree. now that i'm in med school, i find that it pretty much consumes my life. whereas in undergrad i studied (sort of), it was my extracurriculars that kept me busy. in med school, it's actually school that keeps me busy and it's hard to find time to do the things that i did as an undergrad.
i really appreciated my year off, even though i didn't do anything particularly exciting or helpful for my application. it gave me a chance to wind down - esp important for me after feeling burnt out midway through my senior yr. in addition to working part time & volunteering, i hung out with friends, read lots of books, visited museums, went to concerts and the theater, went to beaches and parks, etc. (these aren't unusual things, but to be able to do them all the time was refreshing). and though it was difficult adjusting to the lack of independence of moving home, what i probably value most about my time off was the time i spent with my family. i learned recipes from my mom, talked politics with my dad, saw my cousins and their new families, hung out with my 16 yr old brother (whose teenage yrs i had largely missed while at college). coming back to school, i definitely felt re-energized and looked forward to the next phase of my life.
anyway, if you're feeling like you need a break from the hecticness of your life (during my senior yr, i often found myself wishing that i could freeze time and escape to a deserted tropical island) then i think time off would be good for you. kind of your last chance before you begin med school and the rest of your life.

p.s. when i first told my parents about my decision to take a yr off, they weren't happy either (and trust me, i have overbearing parents) but it's your decision and they'll deal.

 

[DOitright]

For me....it was the best thing I could have done. I actually took time off not by choice, but because I didn't get into medical school the first time I applied. I was devastated then, but it was a blessing in disguise.

Now that I look back on it, I really wasn't ready for the committment neccessary for med school. I wanted to sleep in, relax, get some practical, hands-on experience...and really make sure medicine is for me. it's been great!

I am starting med school next fall and am 110% ready! i feel totally rested, prepared and sure of myself! i'm actually excited to go back, whereas before I had the feeling of nothing changing...it just being more school. Med school is so much more than that!

plus, i think schools are starting to look more at people who have taken time off. people who have taken time off just seem more mature, more ready for school, and they seem to get a lot more out of school than those who matriculate directly from undergrad.

taking time off isn't for everybody i'm sure. i know a lot of people that take time off don't end up going back to school...well...all i have to say about that is that medicine wasn't meant for them! 😉

good luck in whatever you choose, and don't worry about your parents...no matter when it happens, they'll be stoked for you when you get in!

😎

 

[DemonDeacon]

Guys, you all rock! It's so refreshing to hear all this advice and all your plans. I am 100% sure I will continue the MD route, no matter what, if I took a year off.

The only thing I'm afraid of is... my mom has always known what's best... and everytime I didn't follow her advice... I regret it. But i'm grown now and could deal with this on my own 🙂