Taking a gap semester 2nd semester of Jr yr? Hoping UCLA/USC/Penn and etc

[SobeLifes]

Hi,
I am currently a sophomore MCB major at a top 20 ranked undergrad.
I have 3.6 GPA currently and I can pull 3.7 by the time I apply.
I really wish to take a gap semester during the second semester of Junior year
for my personal improvements (hobbies, getting better in shape, travel, explore dental field where I am originally from, spend time with my parents, take DAT).
I have been taking summer classes (and plan to take classes for this summer) and I have been working during winter, doing internship at a dental office (had never really time off:/)
I just want to take some time off and do what I have mentioned above while taking "a gap semester"
My close friend of mine keep warning me that taking a gap semester is looked bad on dental application;
I do not care too much of what (adcome) think about me UNLESS of course, if taking a gap semester for the second semester of Junior year is that detrimental to the eye of dental adcom.

Taking a gap semester for second semester of Junior year has few benefits.
2nd semester Junior: gap semester
Junior Summer: classes
Senior year: classes/ work at a lab
Senior Summer: apply dental school (asap)
Super senior "a" semester: classes /interviews
Second semester of super senior: a gap semester (take time off/ continue to work at a lab)

Instead of taking a full gap year after graduating, I can only take a semester off (which I believe is enough/ appropriate time to take a break rather than a whole year).

My friend also warns me that taking classes and going to interviews are impossible (although I think it is doable unless I apply too many schools). Oh I (wish!) to attend top dental school like UCLA, Penn, USC (and of course any other dental school I would be happy<3)

I just wanted to hear if taking a gap semester for 2nd semester junior year was a bad idea.
Also I really appreciate on an opinion about taking classes while attending interviews are doable.
Thank you for your help,

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[fogorvostan]

Will you lose any scholarships? At my undergrad, if we didn't stay a full time student at all times, we lost any scholarships that the school awarded us.

 

[JLT223]

It may be looked upon unfavorably. Key word is may as I'm not certain. If you can't go a full 4 years through college without the need for "personal time" why should a dental school think you won't do the same during their program? They are making an investment in you as much as you are making an investment in them.

 

[nonociceptors]

One of those schools is not like the others. Interesting personal rankings

If your DAT is solid and you maintain your GPA I don't think a gap semester would be looked at unfavorably at all.

 

[SobeLifes]

It may be looked upon unfavorably. Key word is may as I'm not certain. If you can't go a full 4 years through college without the need for "personal time" why should a dental school think you won't do the same during their program? They are making an investment in you as much as you are making an investment in them.

I was thinking in same line... at the same time, why not take a semester off rather than go through 4 year straight & taking a gap year. I just wanted to be smart about it (which may be looked negatively like you have said)

 

[SobeLifes]

One of those schools is not like the others. Interesting personal rankings

If your DAT is solid and you maintain your GPA I don't think a gap semester would be looked at unfavorably at all.

Thank you <333 I wish so.