How would taking a year off between M1 and M2 be?

[SephirothXR]

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I will start medical school in Fall 2013. This year, I was also a finalist for the Rhodes Scholarship. I didn't get it but will definitely reapply. However, I'm contemplating when to reapply. I see people taking 4 years off between M2 and M3 to do PhDs since M1+M2 combined lead up to USMLE (difficult to get back into M3, but it happens all the time). However, I can only imagine taking off between M1 and M2 since one still has to know the knowledge from M1 for USMLE, and even if one does something as amazing as a Rhodes between M1 and M2, it would still make it tremendously difficult to get back into it.

So my main question is, is it only slightly recommended against to take a year off between M1 and M2 even if it's for something like the Rhodes (as in I'll reapply next year)? Or should I absolutely not even think of doing it and apply for the Rhodes again where I would taken off between M2 and M3? I say this because I was really close to the Rhodes and naturally want to give it my best shot while the application process is still fresh in my head, but want to hear from current students on what they think the best decision would be.

 

[notbobtrustme]

Sounds like a bad idea.

 

[metallica81788]

Taking a year off between first and second year does not sound like a good idea. While you forget some stuff from first year, you still need to have it relatively fresh in your mind for most second year classes.

 

[evilbooyaa]

Most things in 2nd year build on topics from 1st year. Taking a break in between them will cause you to forget the fundamental things you should be adding onto in 2nd year.

I'd recommend doing it between 2nd and 3rd year, or 3rd and 4th year.

 

[alpinism]

Most things in 2nd year build on topics from 1st year. Taking a break in between them will cause you to forget the fundamental things you should be adding onto in 2nd year.

I'd recommend doing it between 2nd and 3rd year, or 3rd and 4th year.

This.

Also, if you're gonna do a Rhodes why not make the most of it and do a full-time 2 year masters programme w/ research?

Med school will always be here where you're done, stay at oxford as long as you can.

Some of the best classes I've ever taken were at oxford.

 

[SephirothXR]

Thanks to everyone for your input and insight! It will definitely better inform my decision and hopefully I will be successful for the Rhodes when I reapply at the right time.

Out of curiosity, alphinism, were you a Rhodes Scholar, or did you just happen to take courses at Oxford?

 

[alpinism]

Did a semester abroad there.