Need Some Gap Year Advice

[Seatown1]

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Hello everybody,

I am currently in my gap year and have a specific question that I would like some input on. The question is relatively straightforward but I spent a couple paragraphs explaining my situation. Any and all responses will be appreciated. Here it goes:

I'm applying to medical school this cycle and have been working full-time as an Emergency Scribe since graduating this past June. My original plan was to do this my entire gap year. The learning experience has been great, but I am very frustrated with the amount of time I am spending commuting to and from work (nearly 2 hrs). To add to that, I am consistently scheduled at all different times of the day and night, and it's really taxing me mentally. It has been quite a distraction for my secondary applications, because I find myself mentally and physically-exhausted so often. Unfortunately, the Scribe company will not allow me to transfer to a facility closer to my home.

My question to you is this: if I quit my work as an Emergency Scribe 3.5 months into the job will it reflect negatively on me in interview(s)? Will schools view me as somebody who is not committed to medicine or as a person in general? I believe that the (a) 2 hours commute time and (b) financial commitment (because I spend a lot of money on fuel) are valid reasons for leaving the job. I would not mention the erratic hours because that would cast doubt given how in medical school and residency students must be able to perform through erratic schedules.

My alternative plan is to start volunteering at a couple local hospitals maybe 3 days a week, and spend another day tutoring high school kids. This would allow me to work regular hours and have a reasonable commute, while still having some exposure to medicine and community service. I know that volunteering at a hospital is not as advantageous as being a Scribe, but it still offers some benefits. The tutoring is something I have always wanted to do, because I know that a lot of kids are born into situations where they do not have much support for an education at home and need a mentor to help them succeed in school. I feel that the rest of the ECs I had on my Primary Application are strong and unique.

So everybody, what are your thoughts on my situation? Would it look bad for me to quit 3.5 months into this Scribe job? Is my reasoning for leaving legitimate? I am debating whether or not to pull the trigger on leaving this job. I'd like to finalize my decision sometime this week.

Thank you.

 

[NickNaylor]

As long as you're doing something productive, no one will care. I wouldn't question that explanation as it's very reasonable.

 

[ShabbaRanks]

Hello everybody,

I am currently in my gap year and have a specific question that I would like some input on. The question is relatively straightforward but I spent a couple paragraphs explaining my situation. Any and all responses will be appreciated. Here it goes:

I'm applying to medical school this cycle and have been working full-time as an Emergency Scribe since graduating this past June. My original plan was to do this my entire gap year. The learning experience has been great, but I am very frustrated with the amount of time I am spending commuting to and from work (nearly 2 hrs). To add to that, I am consistently scheduled at all different times of the day and night, and it's really taxing me mentally. It has been quite a distraction for my secondary applications, because I find myself mentally and physically-exhausted so often. Unfortunately, the Scribe company will not allow me to transfer to a facility closer to my home.

My question to you is this: if I quit my work as an Emergency Scribe 3.5 months into the job will it reflect negatively on me in interview(s)? Will schools view me as somebody who is not committed to medicine or as a person in general? I believe that the (a) 2 hours commute time and (b) financial commitment (because I spend a lot of money on fuel) are valid reasons for leaving the job. I would not mention the erratic hours because that would cast doubt given how in medical school and residency students must be able to perform through erratic schedules.

My alternative plan is to start volunteering at a couple local hospitals maybe 3 days a week, and spend another day tutoring high school kids. This would allow me to work regular hours and have a reasonable commute, while still having some exposure to medicine and community service. I know that volunteering at a hospital is not as advantageous as being a Scribe, but it still offers some benefits. The tutoring is something I have always wanted to do, because I know that a lot of kids are born into situations where they do not have much support for an education at home and need a mentor to help them succeed in school. I feel that the rest of the ECs I had on my Primary Application are strong and unique.

So everybody, what are your thoughts on my situation? Would it look bad for me to quit 3.5 months into this Scribe job? Is my reasoning for leaving legitimate? I am debating whether or not to pull the trigger on leaving this job. I'd like to finalize my decision sometime this week.

Thank you.

I feel that if you volunteer/tutor in your free time you will be fine. Just make sure you are doing something. During your interviews I wouldn't bring it up unless asked.

I am in a gap year also and I plan to quit my research position in January or February if I gain an early acceptance. I have very valid reasons for wanting to stop early, and I really don't believe that it will have any effect on my application.

 

[deleted642188]

I'm sure you'll be fine; as many people said, do something you like that is productive.

 

[Hospitalized]

Hello everybody,

I am currently in my gap year and have a specific question that I would like some input on. The question is relatively straightforward but I spent a couple paragraphs explaining my situation. Any and all responses will be appreciated. Here it goes:

I'm applying to medical school this cycle and have been working full-time as an Emergency Scribe since graduating this past June. My original plan was to do this my entire gap year. The learning experience has been great, but I am very frustrated with the amount of time I am spending commuting to and from work (nearly 2 hrs). To add to that, I am consistently scheduled at all different times of the day and night, and it's really taxing me mentally. It has been quite a distraction for my secondary applications, because I find myself mentally and physically-exhausted so often. Unfortunately, the Scribe company will not allow me to transfer to a facility closer to my home.

My question to you is this: if I quit my work as an Emergency Scribe 3.5 months into the job will it reflect negatively on me in interview(s)? Will schools view me as somebody who is not committed to medicine or as a person in general? I believe that the (a) 2 hours commute time and (b) financial commitment (because I spend a lot of money on fuel) are valid reasons for leaving the job. I would not mention the erratic hours because that would cast doubt given how in medical school and residency students must be able to perform through erratic schedules.

My alternative plan is to start volunteering at a couple local hospitals maybe 3 days a week, and spend another day tutoring high school kids. This would allow me to work regular hours and have a reasonable commute, while still having some exposure to medicine and community service. I know that volunteering at a hospital is not as advantageous as being a Scribe, but it still offers some benefits. The tutoring is something I have always wanted to do, because I know that a lot of kids are born into situations where they do not have much support for an education at home and need a mentor to help them succeed in school. I feel that the rest of the ECs I had on my Primary Application are strong and unique.

So everybody, what are your thoughts on my situation? Would it look bad for me to quit 3.5 months into this Scribe job? Is my reasoning for leaving legitimate? I am debating whether or not to pull the trigger on leaving this job. I'd like to finalize my decision sometime this week.

Thank you.

I discourage you from quitting scribing, although I understand that the hours and commute is awful. Driving far really sucks, mostly because you can't study/do anything else. You're essentially limited to audiobooks/podcasts/music. The weird scheduling is something you will have to get used to, as you mentioned. Ultimately, I think this experience will better prepare you for medical school, but it is a difficult decision. I think volunteering x 3 a week, preferably at multiple hospitals as you mentioned, is also very beneficial.

You could quit scribing and never mention it. Unfortunately, if you elect to mention it as experience in your application, you have to delve into the "why I quit" aspect that has the potential to be viewed negatively.

Ultimately, if it's your only job/commitment outside of secondaries, 40 hours a week + driving (consider +10) shouldn't be taxing you THAT much mentally. I've had weeks of 32hours +15 credits (quarter) frequently.