Last-minute deferral, but haven't applied anything. What to do?

[thomasina]

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I applied this past application cycle and was lucky to get several acceptances. However, earlier this year (after I started my applications and interviews) I had a personal emergency and am now considering taking a year off to process the event and recover.

The only problem is, I was not planning to take a year off and I have not applied to any gap-year opportunities, fellowships, research stints, jobs, one-year masters programs, etc. Many deadlines have already passed.

I really do not want to just sit at home for a year, or do something boring-ish like MCAT tutoring, continuing hospital volunteering, or working at a coffee shop (unless said coffee shop is abroad ). Things I might be interested in is doing something abroad (but I'd want to find funding for it), working in the arts, something with writing or something involving medical humanities... so if anybody has suggestions on what last-minute opportunities I could do, or things that they did on their own... I would really appreciate this. Anything that is funded would be a major, major plus.

I do have student loan debt that will start accumulating interest since I will no longer be a full-time student, but this is not of utmost importance because it's a relatively small amount.

Many thanks for your suggestions! (oops.... typo in the topic title...)

 

[JohnFe]

If you majored in the sciences, put up a resume and apply to jobs (indeed.com or simplyhired.com) Industries are always looking for people. Good luck!
If you get an interview invite, don't mention about leaving in a year! Probably look for something temporary/contract positions.

 

[death2cancer]

If you majored in the sciences, put up a resume and apply to jobs (indeed.com or simplyhired.com) Industries are always looking for people. Good luck!
If you get an interview invite, don't mention about leaving in a year! Probably look for something temporary/contract positions.

I agree with applying for a job -- go to university website and cold email PIs asking if they need a technician/research associate. Thats how I got my job!

Or.... do something like apply for a masters or take classes that will help you ACE medical school classes.

imagine taking anatomy, immunology, upper level classes like that (ones you have not taken in pre-med yet) one year before medical school. You could ace the classes and focus more on studying for step 1 during the actual class. that would cost a lot though. not sure if money is a problem