Study Abroad / Application Process / Time Off

[Tappinfool66]

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I'm most likely going to switch my major to Spanish (I'm taking summer classes right now to get into the swing of things) and I'd like to study abroad. Not positive where yet (maybe Spain or Argentina), but I don't know when the best time to do this would be. I could:

-Study in Spain next spring through my university. If I did this, I would take an extra year before med school (maybe get a master's) because I'm not going to take the MCAT right before I leave and try to cram all the studying in before I've even taken Physics II and I'm definitely not going to take it right after getting back.

-Study abroad somewhere next fall (2012) after having taken the MCAT and still take an extra year off to do something.

-Study abroad somewhere next fall or spring and try to workout doing applications/interviews while abroad (either try to have everything finished before I go or try to fill out applications before/while abroad and ask to schedule interviews after I get back).

In your opinions, which seems like the best thing to do?

 

[TheDuude]

Definitely study abroad- it's a once in a lifetime experience that I think everyone who has an opportunity to should pursue. I personally took my MCAT right before I left for my study abroad- this was nice, cause I was able to enjoy my time abroad without feeling much stress (although I did have to start drafting my personal statement abroad.. but that's another story).

Whatever you do, make sure that you really enjoy your time abroad- as fun as it is, it is actually a great learning experience as well. Also, a great talking point during interviews (I talked about my experience at one interview for 30+ minutes)

 

[ssdatabase]

Keep your money in America! Take a cross country trip. U----S----A!

 

[Tappinfool66]

Definitely study abroad- it's a once in a lifetime experience that I think everyone who has an opportunity to should pursue. I personally took my MCAT right before I left for my study abroad- this was nice, cause I was able to enjoy my time abroad without feeling much stress (although I did have to start drafting my personal statement abroad.. but that's another story).

Whatever you do, make sure that you really enjoy your time abroad- as fun as it is, it is actually a great learning experience as well. Also, a great talking point during interviews (I talked about my experience at one interview for 30+ minutes)

I'm definitely planning on going. I'm just not sure when yet.

Did you have to apply while abroad? I've heard it's possible but can be very difficult.

 

[CornbreadUTH15]

I studied in Spain the second summer session between Junior and Senior year. I liked that timing because it forced me to turn my applications in early because I told myself I didn't want to worry about my applications while I was in Spain. I know that wasn't one of the options you gave, but just wanted to throw that out there for you.

 

[PfNO22]

Spend a year! It will change you.

 

[raltima07]

Spend a year! It will change you.

👍

Everyone I know who has studied abroad has LOVED it

 

[Tappinfool66]

I studied in Spain the second summer session between Junior and Senior year. I liked that timing because it forced me to turn my applications in early because I told myself I didn't want to worry about my applications while I was in Spain. I know that wasn't one of the options you gave, but just wanted to throw that out there for you.

I'd rather go for a longer time and actually live somewhere else. If I went for a summer semester, I'd feel like it was just a vacation.

Spend a year! It will change you.

I WISH I could go for a year!

 

[TheDuude]

I'm definitely planning on going. I'm just not sure when yet.

Did you have to apply while abroad? I've heard it's possible but can be very difficult.

My study abroad semester was from early March to early July. I'm not going to lie- the semester turned out to be MUCH more eventful than I ever dreamed of, which kinda screwed me over in terms of me turning in my application in a timely manner. I planned to finish it at LEAST by mid June, but I was super preoccupied with traveling, finals (although they were a joke.. still required minimal studying), and other shenanigans. I by the time I got back home early July, I was way behind as I had yet to finish my personal statement, as well as corral enough quality letter of recs (I only ended up with 3 LORs.. eventually ended up getting 4)

Seeing as how time eventually became an issue, I kinda rushed through the rest of my application when I came back home (i.e. work activities section, etc.) In hindsight, I believe that this did end up hurting my chances, as my stats were mediocre. Do NOT underestimate the importance of turning in a QUALITY application in a TIMELY fashion if you are a mediocre-ish application, as I was. I ended up not getting any interviews until springtime, and only ended up getting a single acceptance just recently (thank God).. trust me, I was kicking myself pretty hard these past 6 months for my application inadequacies.

So I guess what I'm trying to say is that study abroad is totally worth it, but applying to medical is a HUGE commitment that shouldn't be taken lightly, considering all the time, effort, and money that goes into it. Take my case as a cautionary tale and save yourself the stress- start early with your personal statement and work activities section, revise revise revise!, and get some quality LORs, I'd say 4-5 would be good. If you have any questions, PM me- I'll be happy to help you!

Most importantly.. have fun abroad!