Taking a year off....

[MonsterAddict]

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I posted this in the allopathic side, but i would like to know how osteopathic schools look at taking a year off. I would like to work in a lab for a year. Do DO schools look upon this unfavorably? has anyone done this? Thanks!

 

[Ki45toryu]

I cant speak for other schools, but my class at AZCOM is mostly nontraditional students...be it a year off or more. It also seemed that the majority of people I met on interviews(MD and DO) last year were non-traditional as well. This is just one person's humble opinion though.

 

[DrMidlife]

I took 20 years off, and I got in. YMMV.

 

[Bond8204]

Why would it be any different? If you have the slightest inkling that you'd want to do that you should--it will strengthen your resume, you'll be less likely to burnout, and it will reaffirm your desire to go into medicine.

Osteopathic schools, in fact, who typically are more receptive toward non-traditional students who have been out of school for several years than allopathic schools, will be particularly supportive of your decision.

The only way a year off could hurt you is if you're a waste of life and don't get a job or do anything interesting.

 

[countthestars]

Taking a year off was the best thing I could have ever done. I was burnt out by the end of college. I am so happy to spend this year enjoying life, being with family and doing things I love because I won't have much time for that next year when school starts again. I feel more relaxed and I feel mentally ready to go back to school. I don't think I would be able to say that if I went to med school right after college. Think about it this way, your 20s are the best time of your life. Would you rather spend the rest of your 20s in school and then going through the hell of residencies or would you rather at least enjoy ONE year of your 20s? I personally would want at least a year to enjoy what I have 'cause, frankly my 20's will never ever come back after going though med school and residency. It's sad but you give up the best years of your life for medicine...

 

[Jpc984]

Since you are planning on doing something constructive like research, I think you will be fine.

 

[slim78]

Just don't get a job you hate. That is what I did. Now I'm wishing I had applied last year.

I didn't ever feel "burned out" in college so I don't think that would have been an issue. I loved being a student. I just didn't know what I was doing (deadlines and such) and now I'm stuck in this crappy job for another 4 months.

I can't wait to start school again.

 

[scdocusc]

Looking back on it, taking 2 years off after college was the best decision I made. It gave my wife and I time to have fun together and stockpile money for the road ahead. It was great getting to travel and do things that helped my develop as a person. I feel so much more mature entering medical school now than if I did two years ago. I would highly advise taking time off. Especially if you have a good MCAT and GPA.

 

[Tophcrock]

I took a year off after undergrad and worked as an orderly. I can't say I exactly stockpiled extra funds with that job, but I was so burnt out on classes after undergrad that I was extremely ready to go once med school started. I do recommend that you do research or at least keep up in some medical capacity so during the application process you can show prospective schools that your interest in medicine hasn't declined. The best of luck to you, whatever your decision.