Waiting Two Years

[Darkskies]

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Hi,
I recently graduated from college and was planning on applying for this cycle. I am currently retaking organic chemistry I and II(will run until August) and may also have to retake the second physics lab course. On top of this, I am taking an MCAT course and was considering sitting for the exam in August. I realize that my application at that point would be a little late but I am fairly confident that I could get into a D.O. school at least(if I studied for the MCAT which I've been neglecting because I'm conflicted with all of the work I have to do). I've begun to wonder if it might be better for me to take two years off and just devote myself to the MCAT course by deferring it until September when my retakes will have been completed. I would then sit for the MCAT in December or January.

Two years off would also allow me to get a real job(perhaps research) and see what it feels like to be an adult working 40 hours a week before becoming sucked into medical school and residency. I could also do a number on my undergraduate loans(~30k).

The downside is that 2 years seems to be such a long time and I would be 24 years old.(I understand that many people in this forum are much older than me but please do not view my statement as being petulant). However, many people have advised me that it is beneficial to take 1-2 years off for personal growth. Would I be distanced from the rest of my class if I were 24? How much of a difference does it make and what percentage of a typical class would be around my age? Should I wait the two years?
Thank you for reading and any advice/suggestions made!
Darkskies

 

[TriagePreMed]

lol 24 seems old? I'm 26 and will be 28 by the time I have scheduled myself to be able to go into medical school. Age should be the last thing on your mind. Age difference mattered to me when I was 14 or 15. One or two years difference seemed like a lifetime. Now at 26 I have friend that are 23 and some that are 28. Some younger are more mature and some older (as expected) are more mature. The "age difference" feeling factor begins to blur in your mid 20s. I'd have no problem sitting in class with 23 year old kids being 28 myself. In fact, it would probably be better because it's a good chance to be around younger chicks ;-) I kid, I kid.

As for real world v. medical school, it truly depends. There are benefits for both routes. I wouldn't think economics (paying off student loans) would be one of them if you compare them to having 2 extra years of work as a doctor. Personally, I would go straight to medical school IF I felt absolutely certain medicine is for me and I'm ready to make the commitment. Otherwise, no point in rushing in.

 

[EdLongshanks]

The downside is that 2 years seems to be such a long time and I would be 24 years old.(I understand that many people in this forum are much older than me but please do not view my statement as being petulant). However, many people have advised me that it is beneficial to take 1-2 years off for personal growth. Would I be distanced from the rest of my class if I were 24? How much of a difference does it make and what percentage of a typical class would be around my age? Should I wait the two years?
Thank you for reading and any advice/suggestions made!
Darkskies

A year of research and an MD school is worth one year. Allopathic students have a somewhat easier time getting competitive residencies (although it is possible for DO students to get MD residencies, it's not as easy). One year out of the next 40-50 years of your life is a very small thing. The life experience that you gain in that year off is a very large thing. If you start in 2012 instead of 2011, you will arrive at school rested and ready, not breathless from the whirlwind year of applying and making plans. You also will have a better MCAT score, a better GPA and a better app overall with more time to apply at your preferred schools. At your age I would wait. At my age (47) I am a little more pressed for time.

As far as distance from your class. My understanding is that almost half of all entering medical students are older than 23.

 

[green30]

I'm a new member to SDN and this is my first post!
I graduated in 2009.. and have already taken a year off... I'm applying this cycle and will have had a 2 year gap between finishing undergrad and starting med school (provided I get accepted of course! )
So far I have had no regrets taking this time to work...travel... be more independent (I actually moved across the country!)... and "grow up" as they say. I've gotten to try things I never would have been to do had I not had the time.
Honestly, I feel like the year flew by.. and I'm looking forward to having another year before I make the full commitment to medical school.
I believe the average age of matriculants is 24 anyway, so you and I both would be right smack in the middle.
Basically, I don't think you would be at a disadvantage taking 2 years off .. and you only really take 1 year off before you start applying anyway. I say go for it and try to decide what you want to do!

 

[TrimtheChute]

Agree with the other posters comments. In addition, working will help give you perspective into peer-peer, boss-subordinate relationships and office politics which can make it easier to handle these same situations during 3rd/4th year and residency. Plus going back to school for my prereqs while working, I found learning and school to be a bit more manageable than when I was an undergrad. I was able to better manage the school work, which I'm hoping will translate to med school when I start classes next month.😱