(pre-MD/PhD) Should I take a 2nd gap year?

[nanomedlabrat]

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Hello all!

I am completing my undergrad this May (biochem major) and on the pre-MDPhD track who was originally planning to take only 1 gap year and apply during this cycle. I am potentially considering taking another gap year to give myself more time to study for the mcat and the rest of my application.

Currently, I have 1 pub in Angewandte Chemie (not first, second, or third author but did independent research to end up on the paper), 4620 research hrs, 420 clinical hours, about 100 volunteering and shadowing hours combined over 4 years undergrad. I am currently waiting on a Fulbright decision to pursue my 1st gap year of research or if not, planning to work a full-time clinical position and then go back to research during my second gap year (maybe a CRC position with involved wet lab work?) I am worried that I may not acquire more pubs during that time as I am in a field where it can take 2+ years to publish (wet lab, nanomedicine, cancer drug delivery). I am also worried about uncertainties related to funding cuts on applying during future cycles. I do have plenty of posters and conference presentations and a 3.9 GPA.

Is taking another gap year a good idea? Would I still be competitive? Also, gap year ideas? Am a first-gen applicant and super nervous and stressed about this and really would appreciate any insight!

 

[dimplesage]

I don't think you need the extra gap year unless you feel like you aren't ready to take the MCAT before April, especially if you end up doing Fulbright for this gap year. (I did full time research in my undergrad lab for my gap year). You seem to have enough clinical experience and research experience numbers wise where I don't know if taking another year would be extremely beneficial (And I think programs would wonder why you took another gap year).

Adcoms know that in some fields it can be difficult to publish, so posters or pre-prints can help with the application instead.

I think it's going to come down to the MCAT; when you take it and what score you get

 

[Mr.Smile12]

I agree... pubs are very helpful but they are not dealbreakers. You need to show you can thrive and speak "academic". Your presentations should satisfy many adcoms. Is it enough to push you to get an II or an A? Hard to say.