What are the pros and cons?
Pros and Cons of having a year off before going to medical school?
- Thread starter jdla
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Pros: Make money, enjoy a normal 20-something's life before med school, strengthen your app (even for residency) by doing something like research.
Cons: It takes longer to become a doctor, hearing friends talk about medical school, etc.
Cons: It takes longer to become a doctor, hearing friends talk about medical school, etc.
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Taking time off was the best decision I ever made. Whether you realize it or not, you still have a lot of growing up to do when you graduate college. Having your own place, paying your own bills, and holding down a real job will make you grow up pretty fast - and the real world will give you excellent perspective. The person I am now will be a much better med student (if I get in) than the person I was when I first graduated.
But be sure not to get sucked into a job that turns 1 year into 3. Schools seem to prefer that you go back sooner than later - or else they may ask you to take graduate science courses while you apply (and work full time) to prove you can still do the coursework... at least thats what happened to me.
Good Luck!
But be sure not to get sucked into a job that turns 1 year into 3. Schools seem to prefer that you go back sooner than later - or else they may ask you to take graduate science courses while you apply (and work full time) to prove you can still do the coursework... at least thats what happened to me.
Good Luck!
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no cons that i can think of (being in the middle of a year off myself). sooo many pros, most of which have been mentioned. early fall, i was a little jealous of my friend starting orientation and classes all that, but i quickly realized that the med school lifestyle is not something to envy. just make sure you get a good job that you like and not something lame just to boost your app. you can work on weaknesses in your app in your free time; don't spend your year off miserable.
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So true. In my class it's pretty easy to pick out who took time off after undergrad and who didn't just by how they act. Taking a year off (i took two, some take more) gives you a little grounding in the "real world" and probably helps people do better in school b/c they have a greater appreciation for the opportunity to become a doctor.
However, it can be tough to get a job for just 1 year, so that 1 can easily become 2, and now you're starting school at 24 or 25. I'm all for taking time off, if you think you want to, then do it.
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You get one b/t first and 2nd year. And there are as many ways to spend that break as there are people in the class. There's a shorter break b/t 2nd and 3rd year. Not quite like college though....
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I took 2 years off and doing so, met my fiance, traveled the world, went on some more adventures, gained valuable clinical experience, and in general, enjoyed my life.
Now, I will have 8 weeks off of school this summer (during which I will be researching) and after that, no more free time off again, probably ever. 😉
Pretty much everyone I know that went straight out of undergrad are much more burned out than I am.
Looking back, I wouldn't give up those 2 years off for an extra 5 years of a physician's salary.
Now, I will have 8 weeks off of school this summer (during which I will be researching) and after that, no more free time off again, probably ever. 😉
Pretty much everyone I know that went straight out of undergrad are much more burned out than I am.
Looking back, I wouldn't give up those 2 years off for an extra 5 years of a physician's salary.
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not joking...
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I am halfway through my gap year and I think a year is too much time. I spent 8 months or so working and doing "different" stuff, but it is only january and I have started reading premed/medical stuff again. On the positive side, I am more certain now than ever that I want to go to medical school.
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pro: figuring out your life. its amazing how much ones perspective can once he or she is out of the college bubble. 16+ years of continuous schooling can burn people out. take time off to reevaluate goals
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I am an absolute 100% advocate of taking a year off, this year is turning out to be quite possibly the best year of my life. I work a full time and a part time job and have plenty of time to do anything and everything i wanted to do.
All the money i make working gets spent on food and rent, i live as frugally as physically possible and take the rest of the money from work and my savings and go on sporadic trips to random destinations around the world for a week to ten days.
I highly suggest people take at least a year off between undergraduate and medical school to learn about life, travel and get all of the dumb out of your system. Its not like medical school demarcates the end of your life(i think it should be the start of a new chapter), but we all know its a hefty investment until your out and practicing(and get a little bit more flexibility to spend time on yourself).
All the money i make working gets spent on food and rent, i live as frugally as physically possible and take the rest of the money from work and my savings and go on sporadic trips to random destinations around the world for a week to ten days.
I highly suggest people take at least a year off between undergraduate and medical school to learn about life, travel and get all of the dumb out of your system. Its not like medical school demarcates the end of your life(i think it should be the start of a new chapter), but we all know its a hefty investment until your out and practicing(and get a little bit more flexibility to spend time on yourself).
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made a hundred grand this year with my year off, and seeing that I am not having much luck this year with my apps, I might make another hundred grand and have the dough ready for OOS tuition.
As long as you can explain what you did with your year off, you are set.
As long as you can explain what you did with your year off, you are set.
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What kind of work did you do that you were able to make $100k in one year... before applying to medical school? Sounds like med school debt won't be a big deal for you.
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You've got me curious now!
What were you doing that gave you an income of a hundred grand?
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hehe, its a family business that I took over to let my parents have time off, which they seem to be liking more than work, lol. Unfortunately, I did not start at the work till the near end of summer, so I was kinda broke when I did my AMCAS app, but now I think that if I keep at it, I might have enough money saved up to pay medschools tuition for atleast two years in cold cash...Its the only consoling I have for all the rejections I've gotten...Ohwell, something might turn up
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The pros depend on how you spend the year, obviously. You might just kick back and relax before the new journey, explore a hobby you are interested in, do a little research, or maybe travel. It's a very good idea in my opinion.
In terms of cons, there really aren't many. If you have undergrad student loans, you might need to deal with that if you take a year off.
In terms of cons, there really aren't many. If you have undergrad student loans, you might need to deal with that if you take a year off.
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That's not even really a big problem. you have a 6 month grace period and then you could do a forbearance or try to get deferred for the other 6 months. when you start med school, everything just gets deferred again.
i'm working right now but am trying to pay off my credit cards from all the application expenses. i was deferred, but now am in forbearance until the fall (don't even ask, it's a long story).
you can get a forbearance for any reason. you just ask and they do it. you don't even need to fill out any forms or anything. i called my servicing people and they just did it over the phone.
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You can do research or volunteer for more clinical experience.
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I was thinking seriously about taking a year off after undergrad to pursue more undergraduate research in a paid position while working on founding a small non-profit dedicated to individuals living with Asperger's syndrome (running 5k marathons, donations, informative speeches). I think it is crucial to earn some real life experience as a normal 20 year old not in medical school. Losing a years salary is nothing compared to earning some real life experience and making yourself even more competitive to higher ranked medical schools.
Does this sound like a good idea? I think I have the plan all figured out but it always helps to hear another person's opinion. 🙂
Does this sound like a good idea? I think I have the plan all figured out but it always helps to hear another person's opinion. 🙂
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I agree that taking time off can be good in terms of personal growth and making yourself a stronger applicant. Here are some reasons that come to mind:
I took a couple of years off in the middle of college to volunteer abroad and then after graduation spent 3 years doing clinical research and public health work at a medical school (where my wife was a student). I would have been a strong applicant then, but I took even more time off to do carpentry during my wife's residency. I probably took more time off than many people would think reasonable, but I've learned a few things along the way.
If you're thinking about attending a specific school, this could be a good time to move to that area and find a job doing research there if this interest you. Research assistants of all types are needed at major medical institutions. You'll become familiar with the town and med school, learn more about a particular area of medicine, become a state resident (important if the school you want to attend is a state school), and get to know a few professors and physicians at the med school who can potentially write LORs for you. As an employee of a school, you may be able to take graduate courses for cheap or free--an opportunity for you to explore interests and build your skills. When the time to apply comes, you'll have more experience and maturity which you can write about in your personal statement. Your transcripts will be complete compared to applicants who are interviewing in their senior years of college, and if you're applying to a research-oriented school, having full time research experience will be a plus. If you get accepted by that school, you'll already be established in the town with contacts, which can be priceless compared to having to move and figure things out right before med school starts.
My wife is a now physician and most of my friends and rock climbing partners are doctors or spouses of doctors. The physicians I know who are often the most frustrated with their jobs are those who went straight from college to med school without exploring any other interests. Taking time off can let you solidify why you want to go into medicine while fulfilling a part of your life that you'll probably have to substantially leave behind once you become a busy med student.
If you look at some of the forums and applicant profiles, it can be surprising how young prodigies with stellar numbers are often rejected by schools that should have accepted them based on numbers alone. I think many schools look for an extra level of maturity.
Some considerations for people unsure about medicine or who want to take time off are to get the committee letter written while you're still in college and fresh in the minds of your professors and to think about MCAT timing. The college can keep your letter on file and maybe even update it for you if you decide to apply later. As for the MCAT, most schools require scores that are less than 3 years old, so don't take it too soon if you'd like to take some time off. I took my first MCAT in 1999 (back when it was paper based) and had to retake it this year. My score improved, and in my case, it was probably necessary for me to show some current academic potential, so the recent MCAT was crucial.
I took a couple of years off in the middle of college to volunteer abroad and then after graduation spent 3 years doing clinical research and public health work at a medical school (where my wife was a student). I would have been a strong applicant then, but I took even more time off to do carpentry during my wife's residency. I probably took more time off than many people would think reasonable, but I've learned a few things along the way.
If you're thinking about attending a specific school, this could be a good time to move to that area and find a job doing research there if this interest you. Research assistants of all types are needed at major medical institutions. You'll become familiar with the town and med school, learn more about a particular area of medicine, become a state resident (important if the school you want to attend is a state school), and get to know a few professors and physicians at the med school who can potentially write LORs for you. As an employee of a school, you may be able to take graduate courses for cheap or free--an opportunity for you to explore interests and build your skills. When the time to apply comes, you'll have more experience and maturity which you can write about in your personal statement. Your transcripts will be complete compared to applicants who are interviewing in their senior years of college, and if you're applying to a research-oriented school, having full time research experience will be a plus. If you get accepted by that school, you'll already be established in the town with contacts, which can be priceless compared to having to move and figure things out right before med school starts.
My wife is a now physician and most of my friends and rock climbing partners are doctors or spouses of doctors. The physicians I know who are often the most frustrated with their jobs are those who went straight from college to med school without exploring any other interests. Taking time off can let you solidify why you want to go into medicine while fulfilling a part of your life that you'll probably have to substantially leave behind once you become a busy med student.
If you look at some of the forums and applicant profiles, it can be surprising how young prodigies with stellar numbers are often rejected by schools that should have accepted them based on numbers alone. I think many schools look for an extra level of maturity.
Some considerations for people unsure about medicine or who want to take time off are to get the committee letter written while you're still in college and fresh in the minds of your professors and to think about MCAT timing. The college can keep your letter on file and maybe even update it for you if you decide to apply later. As for the MCAT, most schools require scores that are less than 3 years old, so don't take it too soon if you'd like to take some time off. I took my first MCAT in 1999 (back when it was paper based) and had to retake it this year. My score improved, and in my case, it was probably necessary for me to show some current academic potential, so the recent MCAT was crucial.
I just had my first med school interview last week and I'm already considering deferring for a year! I don't even know if the school I applied to would let me defer (if I even get accepted...), but I'm feeling so burnt-out. I keep thinking that this is my last chance to really do what I want.
Are there specific reasons for deferrment? Or would a school let you defer if you wanted to work abroad or volunteer abroad? I don't know if those are good reasons. But I'm looking at a program through BUNAC that I'm really interested in. What are your thoughts? 😕
Are there specific reasons for deferrment? Or would a school let you defer if you wanted to work abroad or volunteer abroad? I don't know if those are good reasons. But I'm looking at a program through BUNAC that I'm really interested in. What are your thoughts? 😕
This is highly variable depending on the school. Some schools will allow you to take a year off with no questions asked (after you've been admitted), others will ask you to file an appeal or prove that you're doing something worthy with your time.
For right now, just concentrate on your applications. When you get accepted, then you can ask the specific school about their specific deferral policies and take things from there.
I'm currently a junior getting ready to start the app process at the end of this year, and do MCATS this upcoming summer as well.
I would like to have a year to travel, maybe international medical work (learn acupuncture or something), but I definitely want to relax and have fun too.
I have heard from med students it's best to apply, then ask for a deferral. How hard is it to get deferrals? What if I just be up-front and say for personal growth and grounding myself in reality, developing wider experiences and perspective that will help me be a better MD?
Not gonna get drunk and party for a year, but I honestly want stress-free time off.
I would like to have a year to travel, maybe international medical work (learn acupuncture or something), but I definitely want to relax and have fun too.
I have heard from med students it's best to apply, then ask for a deferral. How hard is it to get deferrals? What if I just be up-front and say for personal growth and grounding myself in reality, developing wider experiences and perspective that will help me be a better MD?
Not gonna get drunk and party for a year, but I honestly want stress-free time off.
