How to broach the topic of extra unexpected gap year(s) with parents?

[kstorm]

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I realize I may need to take another gap year as I'm nowhere near ready for the MCAT. My parents are bat**** crazy and aren't going to be happy about this at all and will honestly probably kick my ass. But I feel like this is what I need to do to have the strongest possible app. I could take the MCAT and score low to appease them but based off what I read on SDN a low score would only hurt me as many schools average. So now I will be forced to take an additional gap year and I have no idea how to tell my parents. They already freaked out last year when I needed to take my first gap year to focus on academics.

 

[Lawpy]

Understand that you are pursuing medicine for yourself and not for others (others here meaning your parents and people demanding you to go into medicine). All the studying is what you will be doing, not your parents. The medical career is what you are directly putting your time and effort into. So focus on yourself and if another gap year is necessary, so be it. But absolutely do not mess up on the MCAT because a bad score will hurt you.

If your parents are stubborn, tell them to visit SDN and read the carefully detailed posts from the adcoms and experts here.

 

[DokterMom]

It's January.

Are you telling me that even with six months' diligent study time, you can't be ready for the MCAT?

 

[kstorm]

It's January.

Are you telling me that even with six months' diligent study time, you can't be ready for the MCAT?

I'm a senior so I have a full courseload with 3 hard upper level science courses this semester. Last year when I told them I would be ready to apply this coming summer I thought I could (foolishly) balance the MCAT and school but it looks like I was wrong. I don't want to put my GPA at risk of studying for the MCAT when I could study for it 6 months full time starting in June which I would much rather prefer.

 

[Bermie]

Have you taken multiple practice tests? You won't know how prepared you are until you do.

 

[kstorm]

Understand that you are pursuing medicine for yourself and not for others (others here meaning your parents and people demanding you to go into medicine). All the studying is what you will be doing, not your parents. The medical career is what you are directly putting your time and effort into. So focus on yourself and if another gap year is necessary, so be it. But absolutely do not mess up on the MCAT because a bad score will hurt you.

If your parents are stubborn, tell them to visit SDN and read the carefully detailed posts from the adcoms and experts here.

They're just going to complain about the supposedly many people they know who went to med school straight out of college and ask why I couldn't do it. I'm not even sure who they're referring to as I only know one family friend who did that...

 

[xc_stallion92]

Take a few practice tests. You're never going to feel ready for it. Even the night before your exam when you've convinced yourself to take it, you'll suddenly feel like you're not prepared at all and need to reschedule. It's a normal feeling. If you haven't taken any practice ones, see how those go first.

 

[kstorm]

Have you taken multiple practice tests? You won't know how prepared you are until you do.

Yes and I'm not consistently scoring in my target range which is why I feel like it would be best to reschedule and take an additional gap year to solely devote to MCAT studying.

 

[samac]

If you can't be ready to take it by an early July date now you'll never be ready.

I get you say you're taking a full course load, but if you put 1-2 hours in per day now you should be prepared by then.

 

[Bermie]

If you can't be ready to take it by an early July date now you'll never be ready.

I get you say you're taking a full course load, but if you put 1-2 hours in per day now you should be prepared by then.

I agree. Taking a gap year is absolutely fine and there are some really good reasons to take a gap year but studying for 6 months straight for the MCAT probably isn't one of them.

 

[Lawpy]

It's January.

Are you telling me that even with six months' diligent study time, you can't be ready for the MCAT?

If you can't be ready to take it by an early July date now you'll never be ready.

I get you say you're taking a full course load, but if you put 1-2 hours in per day now you should be prepared by then.

If OP doesnt feel comfortable with the MCAT now (or six months later or whatever), thats fine. There is no reason to pressure her into doing so. Let her handle her own pace.

 

[Mwooster]

OP, what others have said - be the best applicant that you can be when you apply and treat it as an 1-time deal; you never want to have the mentality of "Oh, if this cycle doesn't work out I'll apply again."

However, after graduation, I assume in May, you can have 30-60 days to study for the MCAT and then take it. That's plenty of time if you study 8-10 hours a day.

Don't feel that way? Take an extra gap year, absolutely.

 

[Glandzburg]

Try to explain how common gap years are now. I mean, the average age of a 1st year medical student is like 24-25. If everyone still came right out of college, it would be more like 22. So that's an average of 2 gap years at least.

 

[ditritium monoxide]

Everyone, OP's parents might be stubborn because he is still on on their dime. If this is the case OP, you'll need to think about whether you want to be financially dependent without having to abide by your parents' timeline for you or just not add on the extra stress of financial independence and just play ball.

 

[Bermie]

If you decide to take the gap year and study more and your parents are upset because of financial reasons, explain to them that applying once will save a lot of money. Sorry if I came across harsh about taking a gap year for MCAT studying. The choice is up to you OP. I just know from my experience and many others that you will hit a point of diminishing returns on your MCAT studying after a while.

 

[midwestisbest]

Try to explain how common gap years are now. I mean, the average age of a 1st year medical student is like 24-25. If everyone still came right out of college, it would be more like 22. So that's an average of 2 gap years at least.

That average is a little misleading. Strictly speaking you're right, but you can have average age of 24 with four 22 year olds and a 32 year old, which does happen, and then you'd have four going straight through and 2 average gap years/student, which isn't representative of that reality.

To OP though, Glandzburg's sentiment is right - gap years are more and more common. I am starting next fall, after 2 years since UG, and the real world experience I have gained is going to be a major boon when I start school. Obviously I'm missing out on earning potential on the other side, but I believe I will be a better doctor for the extra time, so I'm not worried about it.

 

[Glandzburg]

That average is a little misleading. Strictly speaking you're right, but you can have average age of 24 with four 22 year olds and a 32 year old, which does happen, and then you'd have four going straight through and 2 average gap years/student, which isn't representative of that reality.

To OP though, Glandzburg's sentiment is right - gap years are more and more common. I am starting next fall, after 2 years since UG, and the real world experience I have gained is going to be a major boon when I start school. Obviously I'm missing out on earning potential on the other side, but I believe I will be a better doctor for the extra time, so I'm not worried about it.

Right - I think the median age would tell a slightly different story. But as you said, the point is that the "traditional" entry straight into medical school after UG is not as much of a norm anymore. This wasn't the case during OP's parents' generation, which may be where their lack of understanding stems from.

 

[Krupke]

.

 

[wagonwheel23]

Are your parents going to help pay for medical school?

 

[robin911]

If I were you, I would enroll myself in a Kaplan or Princeton review prep course that begins the day that finals are over in mid may. Then I would make my sole focus studying for the MCAT and getting applications ready. Study MCAT 8-10 hours per day and then begin to fill out apps at night.

Kaplan also has weekend-only sessions where you can go to the session every Saturday for like four months or something. I didn't apply to most schools until late August, early Sept. That means you still have 7 months. If you took your MCAT in July even, you could probably still be fine for applying especially if you have your other application materials ready.

Taking a gap year is by no means a bad thing. However, most of my friends have decided to take a gap year for very specific reasons like: to do a post-bacc program, to get more patient care hours, to volunteer abroad, to save money in order to be able to afford applying. I have not met anyone who took an entire year to solely focus on MCAT prep and that's it... for the whole year that is. Medical schools may wonder why you didn't work during the gap year or do something that you enjoy. At least 3/4 of secondaries that I filled out specifically asked about what people were doing if they took a gap year. If you say something like "I solely focused on MCAT studying" that may seem a bit bland.

Bottom line: Gap years are an incredibly great way to prepare yourself mentally for applying. My sister took two gap years and is now kicking butt in her DO application cycle. However, taking a gap year to solely focus on MCAT studying may seem a bit odd because y0u still have 7 months to do so before the next application cycle really takes off and you could easily have 2+ months of full-time studying prior to the exam.

That is just my opinion as a pre-med student who did not take a gap year and am currently applying this cycle with some success.

 

[Glandzburg]

I don't think OP meant that she is going to literally only study for the MCAT during her whole gap year. One of the most disastrous things you could possibly do as a premed is to rush the MCAT and potentially tank your chances. If you need another year to fit MCAT prep into your schedule, by all means TAKE IT.

 

[aalamruad]

I'm a senior so I have a full courseload with 3 hard upper level science courses this semester. Last year when I told them I would be ready to apply this coming summer I thought I could (foolishly) balance the MCAT and school but it looks like I was wrong. I don't want to put my GPA at risk of studying for the MCAT when I could study for it 6 months full time starting in June which I would much rather prefer.

@DokterMom is right, you have plenty of time to study for the MCAT this summer. Browse these forums to find other people who have done it. I wasn't planning on taking the MCAT until September, but just moved it up to June when I looked into it and learned how other people were able to pull it off with fantastic scores. I'm currently taking biology, physics, and biochemistry, as well as doing ~10 hours of research each week, playing on a club sports team, coaching another sport, volunteering for ~5 hours per week, and running 2 clubs that I founded; I'm still maintaining straight A's and finding more than enough time to study for the MCAT. My point is that there's more time in the week than you think there is, and if you don't waste it, you'll have plenty of time to be ready for the MCAT this summer.

With that said, if medicine isn't truly what you want to do, and you're just doing it due to pressure from your parents, you won't have the motivation to make it work, because it really is exhausting. Your personal drive is the only thing in question here.

 

[DokterMom]

Right - I think the median age would tell a slightly different story. But as you said, the point is that the "traditional" entry straight into medical school after UG is not as much of a norm anymore. This wasn't the case during OP's parents' generation, which may be where their lack of understanding stems from.

They may also be sensing a 'failure to launch' situation, which may or may not be a valid concern. They know the OP better than we do.

Yes and I'm not consistently scoring in my target range which is why I feel like it would be best to reschedule and take an additional gap year to solely devote to MCAT studying.

Six months out, it would not be normal to be scoring consistently in your target range. Have you broken the 65%th percentile even once taking a (new) practice test under realistic testing conditions? What's your 'target range' and why? You don't need to be top 5%; you need to be top 35%. If you can't break that top 35% two weeks out, then cancel the exam, or better yet, go and void.

 

[aalamruad]

They may also be sensing a 'failure to launch' situation, which may or may not be a valid concern. They know the OP better than we do.



Six months out, it would not be normal to be scoring consistently in your target range. Have you broken the 65%th percentile even once taking a (new) practice test under realistic testing conditions? What's your 'target range' and why? You don't need to be top 5%; you need to be top 35%. If you can't break that top 35% two weeks out, then cancel the exam, or better yet, go and void.

Just out of curiosity, why suggest to go and void? For some extra super-realistic practice?

 

[Glazedonutlove]

I don't think OP meant that she is going to literally only study for the MCAT during her whole gap year. One of the most disastrous things you could possibly do as a premed is to rush the MCAT and potentially tank your chances. If you need another year to fit MCAT prep into your schedule, by all means TAKE IT.

I wouldn't say 6 months for the mcat is rushing it

 

[Glazedonutlove]

Just out of curiosity, why suggest to go and void? For some extra super-realistic practice?

I think she meant if it's too late to cancel with a refund then might as well take it. I think schools can see voided attempts though (someone correct me if I am wrong)

 

[robin911]

@DokterMom I'm currently taking biology, physics, and biochemistry, as well as doing ~10 hours of research each week, playing on a club sports team, coaching another sport, volunteering for ~5 hours per week, and running 2 clubs that I founded; I'm still maintaining straight A's and finding more than enough time to study for the MCAT. My point is that there's more time in the week than you think there is, and if you don't waste it, you'll have plenty of time to be ready for the MCAT this summer.

I agree with what you are saying, however, also be aware that not everyone is built like you and can study/do that much. There are the same hours in the week for you than there are for everyone else, however, you may not have the same stress level as others. Maybe the OP is like me and spends 2x more time in the library than anyone else to get the same grade and learn the same stuff. And maybe you are just naturally brilliant, however, I had to work really hard at studying for the MCAT and maintaining a very high GPA, so I can understand why the thought of having 1+ years to study for the MCAT seems appealing.

I agree that the OP has more than enough study time to take it this summer. Just want the OP to know that not everyone is as committed as you are and many people, myself included, have gotten into great medical schools without having crazy schedules. Plus, every now and then, I even get to see my friends. I think it is just a matter of priorities.

 

[Rainbow Zebra]

You are competing with folks who have an average of 2 gap years. How are your ECs and other parts of the app? MCAT matters, but so do the other things. It is really hard to go straight from undergrad to med school. Look at the average age of the top schools, and it is over 24 years old.

I took the MCAT twice, and I would not recommend it. DO it once, do it right. Look at the MDAPPS of successful applicants, and the ECs they are reporting. This is will give you flavor of who else is applying. Once you get some sample data, use that to show the parental units your plan for a gap year(s) and how it will strengthen your application. Good luck to you.

 

[RuggerMD]

I'm nowhere near ready for the MCAT.

If I were you, I'd sit down and create your ideal studying schedule. How many hours you want to study a day and for how long, what score you will settle for, that kind of thing. Then meet with someone who has a lot of experience with the MCAT and have them evaluate your schedule, your performance on a practice test, and your score goals. Reevaluate your study plan with their input and then see if it is possible in the next six months or not. It is highly possible that you are inflating the demands of MCAT studying to the point it seems daunting, when really it isn't going to take as much investment as you think it is going to. Or maybe you really won't be ready in six months. Then you have a plan of attack and support from an experienced person to back you up when you go to speak with your parents.

I had friends study 4 hours a day for months while I studied one or two hours for two months. Prep time depends on you, and you alone. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.

 

[lalex]

OP, are you me? .

I think my mom has accepted (only with my sister's help) that "I know what I'm doing"

 

[ProspectiveKidd]

Why are they freaking out so bad? Are you nontrad or something?

However, after graduation, I assume in May, you can have 30-60 days to study for the MCAT and then take it. That's plenty of time if you study 8-10 hours a day.

Wat. If OP spent twice the time studying half as much it would probably be more fruitful.

 

[GrapesofRath]

Ill just echo above; gap years are common. All your doing rushing the MCAT is being self-destructive. There are people who study 3-4 months on the MCAT, do well and will swear to their grave they needed all that time to hit their score. There are people who passively study 10 days and hit 99th percentile. Everybody learns at different rates. The new MCAT is a fair amount more material than the old one. Everybody has different abilities; it took me months personally before I really started showing true improvement in my verbal/CARs scores.

All rushing the MCAT will do is put you at a disadvantage. A good number of evaluators average multiple MCAT scores; there would be nothing worse and rushing the MCAT tanking it and getting a 492 then taking it after you have properly studied and getting a 514 only to find the 492 will still have a real negative impact on your app. Likewise, schools can see voided MCAT attempts now; voiding serves no purpose either unless you go in ready to take and unforseen circumstances arise. Apply once when you are at your best. If it means waiting another year, then its a no brainer.

 

[Glandzburg]

I wouldn't say 6 months for the mcat is rushing it

That's not what I was saying.

 

[robin911]

Why are they freaking out so bad? Are you nontrad or something?
Wat. If OP spent twice the time studying half as much it would probably be more fruitful.

Depends on the person. I study better as a cram and knowledge puke type person. Cramming up a ton of information and studying a lot and then taking the exam, spewing out all information. Guess my long term memory needs work, lol. However, I have done just fine operating this way so idk what the best way is for the OP.

 

[Meeehai]

I realize I may need to take another gap year as I'm nowhere near ready for the MCAT. My parents are bat**** crazy and aren't going to be happy about this at all and will honestly probably kick my ass. But I feel like this is what I need to do to have the strongest possible app. I could take the MCAT and score low to appease them but based off what I read on SDN a low score would only hurt me as many schools average. So now I will be forced to take an additional gap year and I have no idea how to tell my parents. They already freaked out last year when I needed to take my first gap year to focus on academics.

Are you living with your parents? This is an important factor you didn't explain. If you're not, it's time to consider what options and life choices are best for you personally and act on them accordingly. You're a big girl now, time to be independent.

 

[robin911]

One more quick comment: I had to pay for everything with regards to applying/MCAT. My parents did not help me with any finances. Therefore, I was in control of when I took it. My parents were supportive, but if they were not or were questioning my decisions like the OP, I would be the first one to point out that it is my money that is paying for the test. Just my personal opinion on that.

 

[deleted647690]

One more quick comment: I had to pay for everything with regards to applying/MCAT. My parents did not help me with any finances. Therefore, I was in control of when I took it. My parents were supportive, but if they were not or were questioning my decisions like the OP, I would be the first one to point out that it is my money that is paying for the test. Just my personal opinion on that.

My dad would be the one to retort to this with, "Well, I helped put you through college, so it doesn't matter that it's your money being used for this exam." I guess he's sort of right.

 

[williameb23]

Use your diploma to get a good job, adjust to life in the real-world for half a year, enroll in an MCAT prep course (if you need to) and eliminate all worries about your parents controlling your timeline. You'll have paid for your apps and MCAT prep, and will have taken your destiny into your own hands (until it's in the hands of ADCOMs). This will be much more impressive to schools and personally fulfilling than trying to scramble and rush to be a poorer applicant.

 

[robin911]

My dad would be the one to retort to this with, "Well, I helped put you through college, so it doesn't matter that it's your money being used for this exam." I guess he's sort of right.

Lol, that is a good point!

 

[raiderette]

Come to your parents with a plan. Set up a gap year job, research, volunteer plans, etc. Show them that you are being responsible and ask them what they need in order for you to live in their house during the gap year. They will probably be angry, but it puts you in the frame of mind to find a solution rather than argue the merits of the proposal.

And take as much time as you need to take the MCAT.

 

[shapley]

Come to your parents with a plan. Set up a gap year job, research, volunteer plans, etc. Show them that you are being responsible and ask them what they need in order for you to live in their house during the gap year. They will probably be angry, but it puts you in the frame of mind to find a solution rather than argue the merits of the proposal.

And take as much time as you need to take the MCAT.

I second this.

Also, crying might actually help. I know of two or three people with tiger parents who cried in the middle of telling their parents about feeling like they need extra time, and their parents did a 180 and became very understanding.

 

[kstorm]

If I were you, I would enroll myself in a Kaplan or Princeton review prep course that begins the day that finals are over in mid may. Then I would make my sole focus studying for the MCAT and getting applications ready. Study MCAT 8-10 hours per day and then begin to fill out apps at night.

Kaplan also has weekend-only sessions where you can go to the session every Saturday for like four months or something. I didn't apply to most schools until late August, early Sept. That means you still have 7 months. If you took your MCAT in July even, you could probably still be fine for applying especially if you have your other application materials ready.

Taking a gap year is by no means a bad thing. However, most of my friends have decided to take a gap year for very specific reasons like: to do a post-bacc program, to get more patient care hours, to volunteer abroad, to save money in order to be able to afford applying. I have not met anyone who took an entire year to solely focus on MCAT prep and that's it... for the whole year that is. Medical schools may wonder why you didn't work during the gap year or do something that you enjoy. At least 3/4 of secondaries that I filled out specifically asked about what people were doing if they took a gap year. If you say something like "I solely focused on MCAT studying" that may seem a bit bland.

Bottom line: Gap years are an incredibly great way to prepare yourself mentally for applying. My sister took two gap years and is now kicking butt in her DO application cycle. However, taking a gap year to solely focus on MCAT studying may seem a bit odd because y0u still have 7 months to do so before the next application cycle really takes off and you could easily have 2+ months of full-time studying prior to the exam.

That is just my opinion as a pre-med student who did not take a gap year and am currently applying this cycle with some success.

I don't think OP meant that she is going to literally only study for the MCAT during her whole gap year. One of the most disastrous things you could possibly do as a premed is to rush the MCAT and potentially tank your chances. If you need another year to fit MCAT prep into your schedule, by all means TAKE IT.

They may also be sensing a 'failure to launch' situation, which may or may not be a valid concern. They know the OP better than we do.



Six months out, it would not be normal to be scoring consistently in your target range. Have you broken the 65%th percentile even once taking a (new) practice test under realistic testing conditions? What's your 'target range' and why? You don't need to be top 5%; you need to be top 35%. If you can't break that top 35% two weeks out, then cancel the exam, or better yet, go and void.

Thanks all for the advice. I started studying toward the end of last semester and noticed I found it very hard to be productive with finals. My goal is 90th percentile because it would make me a good candidate from my state schools and many OOS schools.

I certainly would work too and continue to volunteer/do research. And I know there are mixed opinions on this but I would not like to apply in June because that would mean I would get my scores in July and my committee letter won't write a letter until they have an MCAT score so I would likely be complete in August at the earliest which I know would hurt me. I was planning on taking the April test but balancing school/ECs with MCAT prep is not something I think I can handle.

 

[kstorm]

Ill just echo above; gap years are common. All your doing rushing the MCAT is being self-destructive. There are people who study 3-4 months on the MCAT, do well and will swear to their grave they needed all that time to hit their score. There are people who passively study 10 days and hit 99th percentile. Everybody learns at different rates. The new MCAT is a fair amount more material than the old one. Everybody has different abilities; it took me months personally before I really started showing true improvement in my verbal/CARs scores.

All rushing the MCAT will do is put you at a disadvantage. A good number of evaluators average multiple MCAT scores; there would be nothing worse and rushing the MCAT tanking it and getting a 492 then taking it after you have properly studied and getting a 514 only to find the 492 will still have a real negative impact on your app. Likewise, schools can see voided MCAT attempts now; voiding serves no purpose either unless you go in ready to take and unforseen circumstances arise. Apply once when you are at your best. If it means waiting another year, then its a no brainer.

Wait since when? Do you have a source? If I were to cancel my test while in the gold zone, that wouldn't appear right? I wonder how adcoms will view voided scores next to a really great score.

 

[kstorm]

@DokterMom is right, you have plenty of time to study for the MCAT this summer. Browse these forums to find other people who have done it. I wasn't planning on taking the MCAT until September, but just moved it up to June when I looked into it and learned how other people were able to pull it off with fantastic scores. I'm currently taking biology, physics, and biochemistry, as well as doing ~10 hours of research each week, playing on a club sports team, coaching another sport, volunteering for ~5 hours per week, and running 2 clubs that I founded; I'm still maintaining straight A's and finding more than enough time to study for the MCAT. My point is that there's more time in the week than you think there is, and if you don't waste it, you'll have plenty of time to be ready for the MCAT this summer.

With that said, if medicine isn't truly what you want to do, and you're just doing it due to pressure from your parents, you won't have the motivation to make it work, because it really is exhausting. Your personal drive is the only thing in question here.

Where did that come from? No I absolutely want to do medicine but not on their timeline because I feel don't think I'll be ready by April. They want me to just take it and move on to medical school already but I know I am not ready to take the MCAT right now and certainly won't have the time to devote to it these next three months. That's awesome you can balance all those things with the MCAT but I've tried doing it last semester toward the end and it was very difficult for me.

 

[member000000000]

Yes and I'm not consistently scoring in my target range which is why I feel like it would be best to reschedule and take an additional gap year to solely devote to MCAT studying.

There was a HUGE difference between my practice tests (mostly Kaplan) and the real thing. Kaplan was way tougher imo. I'm grateful because It pushed me to study harder, but I never thought I would be ready. I saved the official AAMC practice test for last and was more than satisfied with the results. It was a great confidence booster before the test (it went well) and was a good predictor of how I did on the real thing.