taking a year off

[shad420w]

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Hello all,
I just got done taking my mcat, and I decided that with the rush of all my classes to take a year off before med school. I am kinda in weird situation, I was suppose to graduate in spring 2004, because I graduated high school in 2000. But, because right before my senior year I went pre-med, my graduation had to be held off till this upcoming spring. So with that said, me applying this spring, will mean I enter fall 06, which is 2 years later than the normal applicant, but I will only really have a year off b/n undergrad and medschool. I was wondering for all of you who have taken a year off, how you dealt with in your applications and interviews. Did med schools not like it? I plan on doing some research and working; maybe even a couple community college courses....

What do you think?

 

[neuropower]

Hello all,
I just got done taking my mcat, and I decided that with the rush of all my classes to take a year off before med school. I am kinda in weird situation, I was suppose to graduate in spring 2004, because I graduated high school in 2000. But, because right before my senior year I went pre-med, my graduation had to be held off till this upcoming spring. So with that said, me applying this spring, will mean I enter fall 06, which is 2 years later than the normal applicant, but I will only really have a year off b/n undergrad and medschool. I was wondering for all of you who have taken a year off, how you dealt with in your applications and interviews. Did med schools not like it? I plan on doing some research and working; maybe even a couple community college courses....

What do you think?

not like it? you've got to be kidding. i'd say more than half of the people i've met at interviews are not coming straight out of undergrad. a couple interviewers said they like us better because we've had some experience working in the real world.

 

[shad420w]

not like it? you've got to be kidding. i'd say more than half of the people i've met at interviews are not coming straight out of undergrad. a couple interviewers said they like us better because we've had some experience working in the real world.

Really? Well I met with the Dean of Admissions at wayne state and he seemed like he wanted to rush me in to applying this year! I havent done anything for application process, so I felt that he looked down upon taking a year off.


What would you suggest would be the best things to do in that time off?

 

[meads]

I took a year off before applying. I graduated in May 2004 (high school in 2000). I did so mainly because I had never had a break before and didn't want to risk burning out. Right after graduating from high school I went ahead and started college that summer. (Always thought that summer courses would ease the load of the academic school year.)

Anyhow, I'm applying for the first time right now. I like my year off. I spent 2 months travelling out of the country before I had to return for interviews and other things. Now I spend my time working part-time, volunteering, and all these other things that make me happy - taking some me time. And if I can manage an acceptance come february 1st (I'm a tx applicant) then I hope to travel some more.

I've only been asked about it in one interview - basically if you can make constructive use of your time no one cares. And I personally feel that those who have never worked before are at a slight disadvantage, maybe not in the application process, but when it comes to relating to people/patients in the future.

Some noteworthy cons, however, are that tuition and the level of competition rise by the year.

 

[neuropower]

i work full-time as a research assistant studying neuroscience at a university. there are tons of research assistant jobs out there, they pay decently, and look good on your application. there are two of us at my present job that are applying to med school right now and the two girls that were here before us at now at medical schools at Hopkins and Stanford.

also, its nice to not have to worry about studying for a year. and at the same time, i'm really excited to go back to school.

 

[RiverPlate11]

taking some time off before going to med school has been one of the best decisions that i have made. it will be 3 years out of undergrad when i enroll next year for med school. during this time i have been able to get a masters degree and work but most of all, have some time to myself to do things that i dont think would be possible if i were in med school right now and to really understand why i want to spend the time to go back to school. we are all young, and in the long run a few years isnt a big deal especially if it gives you some time to enjoy yourself!

 

[iamgoaloriented]

As long as you do something constructive with your time it can only help you. It's a years worth more of experience, and if you have a full time job you put in a lot more hours and have a lot more responsibility than what you would do as an undergrad. You will also be a little older, and since med schools are big on maturity that will probably help.

In one of my interviews it didn't even come up believe it or not.

Make sure you apply for jobs early though. I didn't do that early enough and ended up selling hot dogs for a few months before I got a job in the medical field (actually, I kept the job at the ballpark and worked two jobs becuase the money was good and the ballpark is so fun).

I can also tell you that after having worked in the real world for about two years, I have never been more motivated to go back to school. Nothing makes me want to b!tch slap a college student more than when they complain about school and tell me that all I do is work and don't have to worry about homework. Working full time (especially two jobs) is much harder than just being a student, and I cannot imagine doing what I am currenty doing for the rest of my life, so I am very motivated to go to med school and move forward. You will be to.

 

[evajaclynn]

In my opinion, taking a year (or more) off is an excellent idea. It gives you the chance to live life a little bit before being committed to med school and residency programs for many years. In my first year off, I worked at the NIH, which was an excellent clinical research experience - highly recommended. Now, I am also working full-time while applying to med school. I think that most ADCOM's would appreciate the real-world experience. 🙂

 

[fun8stuff]

In my opinion, taking a year (or more) off is an excellent idea. It gives you the chance to live life a little bit before being committed to med school and residency programs for many years. In my first year off, I worked at the NIH, which was an excellent clinical research experience - highly recommended. Now, I am also working full-time while applying to med school. I think that most ADCOM's would appreciate the real-world experience. 🙂

Reading everyone's posts makes me want to take a year off! However, I have already been accepted to medical school for this fall. I'm not sure what I would do with a year off besides take a break... and perhaps get another research job.... maybe get married... who knows.

What do you guys think? Is it still worth it to defer a year if already accepted? Or is the main point of taking a year off just to get more medically-related experience? IS it silly just take a year off to relax?

Thanks!

 

[RiverPlate11]

What do you guys think? Is it still worth it to defer a year if already accepted? Or is the main point of taking a year off just to get more medically-related experience? IS it silly just take a year off to relax?

Thanks!

if you have something in mind that youve always wanted to do, i'd say go for it, take the year off! it can really be a fantastic experience. the best part is that you are already in, so can't you defer?

 

[iamgoaloriented]

Reading everyone's posts makes me want to take a year off! However, I have already been accepted to medical school for this fall. I'm not sure what I would do with a year off besides take a break... and perhaps get another research job.... maybe get married... who knows.

What do you guys think? Is it still worth it to defer a year if already accepted? Or is the main point of taking a year off just to get more medically-related experience? IS it silly just take a year off to relax?

Thanks!

Only defer if you feel you need the break. I took time off because of burnout, which was definitely the right thing to do, but now that I am ready to go back while working a job I could have got straight out of high school and still have 8 months of time on my hands, I cannot wait to start med school.

If you do defer I'm not sure what kind of reason they expect you to have to allow you to do it though. You will probably have to have a better reason than wanting a break.

 

[cammy1313]

I'm going on year number four since I graduated college in 2001. I spent one year getting my Masters and am on year number three working at a medical diagnostic company. I can't tell you how much being out of school and part of the work force has changed me. You truly learn the meaning of independence, and I have gained incredible insights into the research aspect of science. It's amazing looking back at the immature, naive little girl I was out of school. Besides that, I've traveled all over the place: Spain, Italy, Germany, France, Peru, Mexico...and I even moved across the country to Boston for a while (originally from So.Cal.), now I'm going to Hawaii on vacation...I wouldn't trade any of these experiences for anything. I'd definately say I'm prepared to throw myself completely into medicince.