How many people take gap years to get more research experience?

[numbersloth]

---

Members do not see this ad.

Went to a liberal arts college and feel like I need to better hone my interests and get more experience. How many MD-PhDs take gap years to pursue more research?

 

[MicrobioBro]

I am by no means an expert on this, but in my experience a large proportion of the students do. I myself am taking 2 gap years, and on the interview trail, I'd say anywhere between 25%-75% of the people interviewing with me have gap years. Also, I know a fair amount of MSTP students, and I think that proportion holds true for matriculating students as well.

This is all to say, take those gap years if you think it will be helpful. I think it was one of the best decisions I've made. The way I see gap years is that they can't hurt you (so long as you're being productive in a lab), they can only help you.

 

[starfun21]

Lots! Agreed with above percentage range. I'd say in my program over the past few years, about 50%. This was also about the percentage of people I encountered on the interview trail who took at least 1 year off as well.

I know the MD/PhD path is a long one. Still, getting more research experience can only help you not only gain admission into a strong program, but also figure out more about your research goals, your interests, your strengths, if this path is definitely for you, etc. I would recommend it if you are at all feeling like it would be helpful and if you are in the position (financial, etc) to do so. 1-2 years is often really helpful for applicants who don't have as much research experience or who aren't sure if MD/PhD is totally right for them.

 

[infectiousdisease101]

This is just my 50 cents on it, but I think it would look better if you took time off to experience research before applying because let's be honest, who doesn't want to graduate debt-free and get paid to go to school? Taking time off tells the adcoms you took time to explore the field you want to explore for your thesis before deciding to pursue MD-PhD because 4 years is a long time and not rushing into it.

Besides, if you're going to be in school for 7-9 years, what's two (1 year before you apply) to three (2 years before you apply) more years to ensure you can see that through?

 

[ucbundergrad]

I think you have some good thoughts in this thread because of your specific situation (smaller liberal arts program). I just want to comment for more general advice for future readers. I strongly disagree that one to three years here or there is no problem. Being on the other side you will see the cost. If you sent three years up front you may feel more pressured to not spend extra time later on to actually establish your research career which is more important imo. Or a year longer in your PhD. You may be saying I'll just do it all, you probably won't. Life creeps up on you and you may change. You want to make decisions that are most likely to lead you to success.

This is not to say don't do a research year but go talk to someone you trust and have them honestly assess your current research experience. If you have two to three solid years from undergrad and have had meaningful experience that is good enough. Sure more is better but there are diminishing returns.