I didn't get into any clinical psychology phd programs this year (it was my second time applying). I also applied to a post-bacc pre-med program and am considering leaving my research assistant job to pursue this. However, I am not 100% sure that medical school is right for me. My question is, could I reasonably reapply to phd programs after starting the post-bacc, if I decide not to pursue med school? If so, how would I explain this gap in my employment history to schools - would this look bad/unfocused?
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Probably not, but it depends greatly on the school. Some places won't notice or care about a 1-2 year gap, but some will see it as a major issue. Another thing to be aware is what it looks like if you leave your post-bacc program mid-way because you found something "better." You may not note the post-bacc program on your CV, but it's still an immature move. Spend time thinking about what you really want and go for it. I know it's really awful to be rejected, especially twice, but, as others will suggest, find out what's weak within your application and fix it.
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My take: plenty of folks start to go the med school route and then opt for clinical psych instead, so I don't think that part would be particularly difficult to explain at all (if anyone even notices the 1-2 year gap). The harder part will essentially be just taking the addition time to improve your application, as the post-bacc course work unfortunately won't make you more competitive for clinical psych. But if you're still able to perhaps get some additional research experience in the mean time (or after the post-bacc, if you decide against med school), I'd imagine you should be fine.
If I do the post-bacc, I hope to continue working on publications with my current mentors. I am really torn as to what to do - I don't think I can stand another rejection next year. I'm also in my mid-20's now and not thrilled about the prospect of potentially having to move across the country for school, then again for internship and post-doc when I will be in my 30's and probably want to start a family. The area I am interested in is pediatric neuropsychology and that seems to be even more competitive. I don't want to seem unfocused but feel that I need a backup plan at this point...
IHMO, med school and clinical psych phd programs are very different, from the day-to-day life, the material, to what you will be doing after you graduate and licensed. Make sure you really consider what it is about med school that makes you want to go that route, not just as a backup or safe plan alternative to clinical psychology. You may find yourself miserable in med school. I've also heard that post-bacc programs tend to be very competitive because everyone is gunning for med school, unless you are in a program that guarantees entry.
Another thing is med school isn't short either. Assuming your post-bacc program is 2 years, and assuming you matriculate right after, that's 6 more years until you get your MD. If you do family medicine, I believe it's a 2 year residency. Anything other than that, including psychiatry, is at least 4 years. I'm not sure if pediatric psychiatry may be more on top of that. So you're really looking at a minimum of 8 years from today before you can practice, that is assuming that you get in on your first try. Will you may not have to move around as much as a medical doctor, it is overall going to take you the same amount of time or longer before you are a full-fledged doctor.
Another thing is med school isn't short either. Assuming your post-bacc program is 2 years, and assuming you matriculate right after, that's 6 more years until you get your MD. If you do family medicine, I believe it's a 2 year residency. Anything other than that, including psychiatry, is at least 4 years. I'm not sure if pediatric psychiatry may be more on top of that. So you're really looking at a minimum of 8 years from today before you can practice, that is assuming that you get in on your first try. Will you may not have to move around as much as a medical doctor, it is overall going to take you the same amount of time or longer before you are a full-fledged doctor.
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