Should I take gap year for full-time research?

[cheerios123]

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Hi,

I am current rising junior and I am trying to decide if I should take a gap year to do more research. Here is my application so far:

cGPA: 3.7 MCAT: 521 (130/131/130/130)

research exp:

research for 2 years (will be 3 years by the start of the upcoming app cycle).
2 first author publications: one has an IF of 7, and another has around 4.
1 oral presentation at the top conference in my field.
1 presentation at undergrad honors conference.

Leadership/volunteering exp:
founded a inner city school tutoring program.
co-founded a non-profit.
tutoring experience

Shadowing:
50 hours of shadowing radiologists

The reason I am considering a gap year is because my cGPA is on the low side (for MSTPs at least), and I have noticed that many applicants take 1-2 gap years before applying.


Thanks!!!

 

[hasmerppasy]

I am Thinking about it

 

[Lucca]

Your research experience is good enough to not need beefing up from a gap year. There are good reasons to take a gap year beyond building your research experience but they are more personal than practical. If you feel confident that you want to apply MD/PhD and have everything ready to pull the trigger then do so.

 

[Fencer]

No need to take a GAP year. Apply with 10 dream MSTP, 10 match (based on GPA and talking to Program Directors) MSTP, and 5 with lower number of applicants per slot.
You are ready. An extra year would not make you a better applicant. PM me if you need.