Take a year off?

[popsod]

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I don't know if I should take a year off (i.e. apply to med school my senior year of undergrad) or just apply to med school junior year.

In regards to the admissions process, does it matter to med schools if you apply earlier or later? The reason that I'm a bit hesitant to apply this year (as a junior) is because I don't think I can maximally prepare for the Spring MCAT while concurrently taking regular classes at my university. Also, my ECs consist of only: 5 months of clinical work (as a ER Tech and Phlebotomist) and 1 year of research experience. My GPA is fairly solid : 3.94 cumulative, 3.89 science. However, my GPA might drop by June (due to lame physics🙁). YET, if i apply senior year, I have NO clue what to do with myself during that one year off.

Anyways, any advice would be appreciated.

 

[StormingWynn]

I don't know if I should take a year off (i.e. apply to med school my senior year of undergrad) or just apply to med school junior year.

In regards to the admissions process, does it matter to med schools if you apply earlier or later? The reason that I'm a bit hesitant to apply this year (as a junior) is because I don't think I can maximally prepare for the Spring MCAT while concurrently taking regular classes at my university. Also, my ECs consist of only: 5 months of clinical work (as a ER Tech and Phlebotomist) and 1 year of research experience. My GPA is fairly solid : 3.94 cumulative, 3.89 science. However, my GPA might drop by June (due to lame physics🙁). YET, if i apply senior year, I have NO clue what to do with myself during that one year off.

Anyways, any advice would be appreciated.

Travel, enjoy the world. You wont be seeing the light of day in years!

 

[Contrarian]

most students I have met who are "taking a year off" are doing research. You could do that, and build your clinical exposure as well. I kind of wish I hadn't applied during my senior year. The application process is tiring/distracting, and being in school makes it more difficult to enjoy your travels and so forth.

I'm not sure if there is a material advantage/disadvantage to applying after graduation. I doubt it matters as long as you are doing something meaningful during that gap year.

 

[J ROD]

You always need to apply in early June......you have a MCAT score?