I need some advice regarding feeling burnt out. I went through five years of undergraduate studies with no summer breaks, and in so doing, completed 3 bachelor's degrees, got good grades, and got REALLY tired in the process. I am currently in my first year at an American school with a very traditional curriculum and grading system. Needless to say, not having any breaks or vacations for 5 and a half years is beginning to take its toll. So much so that I have even been having a great bit of difficulty in one of my classes. Instead of taking some time off after my first year, or in-between my first and second years, I was considering exercising the option to take a lighter courseload. However, I was wondering how residency program directors might look at such an action? Does it even matter? Will I be less competitve, etc.? I know that a number of factors are considered by program directors, such as USMLE scores, etc., but I was just wondering how taking a lighter courseload would fit into the whole picture. I figured that by taking a lighter load I could give myself sort of a "pseudo-break" in which I would be less stressed and feel more confident because I would be able to perform more strongly in my classes. Any and all advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
