What do med schools think of taking time off after undergrad?

[Jfz]

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Like if someone takes a year (or two) off after their undergrad before they apply. They travel, do whatever. Is it something that is considered ok but interviewers will want to know why? Is it frowned upon? Just curious actually

 

[brooklynblunder]

the average age of a first year med student is between 24 - 26, depending on the school


if you take time off, and you really want to get into medical school (the first time that you will be applying), i would suggest spending that year doing something productive that is marketable to all medical schools

 

[CoolWhipp]

You can still be "productive" within those years and take a few vacations. When I think of vacations there only about 2 or 3 weeks long.

 

[Evergrey]

Like if someone takes a year (or two) off after their undergrad before they apply. They travel, do whatever. Is it something that is considered ok but interviewers will want to know why? Is it frowned upon? Just curious actually

This is taken from the University of Colorado SOM Admissions site: "Obtaining a letter from the employer who you are working with during the application year is very important. Evidence of a successful engagement in a post-college experience is considered a valuable addition to other letters that also may be part of your file."

 

[FuturaDocta]

If you do research on AIDs or travel to aid kids with AIDs, then I'd say you have a pretty good reason for taking off. Plus, you can even use that time to brush your app up.

Most people that apply to those IVY schools are usually in that age range mentioned above. So, you may even be upping your chances in that sense.

In the end, you should just do something you like. Are you taking off to let your hair down for a couple of years or are you just taking off to better your chances?

If the former, then travel... the adcoms love to see that you're well rounded. If the latter, then I'd go research or something productively fun (I like research, so that would be my fun thing 😛).

 

[dw2158]

do it. time off was the best decision i have ever made (and i'm not even exaggerating). get a job you find fun, and enjoy 9-5ing it.

 

[armybound]

It seems like at least half of my class (of 230) took a year or two (or more) off.

I think it's a great experience and adds maturity. Schools probably view it the same, as long as you're productive with your year off.

 

[Jfz]

It seems like at least half of my class (of 230) took a year or two (or more) off.

I think it's a great experience and adds maturity. Schools probably view it the same, as long as you're productive with your year off.

So..travel would be considered productive? Even if it's not some expedition to a war torn country to save children with AIDS?

 

[FuturaDocta]

So..travel would be considered productive? Even if it's not some expedition to a war torn country to save children with AIDS?

Really, just do what you like. It's your time and the med schools like to see variation. As long as your app already looks good after you graduate, they won't care about a year or two in between your application process. What do you plan on doing anyway?

 

[Jfz]

Really, just do what you like. It's your time and the med schools like to see variation. As long as your app already looks good after you graduate, they won't care about a year or two in between your application process. What do you plan on doing anyway?

Not planning anything right now, just curious really. I've been in school the majority of my life...and if things go as planned I'll continue being in school for the next ten years of my life, it makes me want to do something crazy like go off and travel like I hear of others doing..you're only young once right?

 

[NotAsking4Much]

Not planning anything right now, just curious really. I've been in school the majority of my life...and if things go as planned I'll continue being in school for the next ten years of my life, it makes me want to do something crazy like go off and travel like I hear of others doing..you're only young once right?

That's totally fine. I think they schools just don't want you to sit at home, completely lost and just bumming around with no direction in life.

I had a friend two years ago who for some God forsaken reason really wanted to work for the airport as the luggage guy who loads luggage onto planes. So that's what he did and he's in a great med school now.

 

[vinniekan]

That's totally fine. I think they schools just don't want you to sit at home, completely lost and just bumming around with no direction in life.

I had a friend two years ago who for some God forsaken reason really wanted to work for the airport as the luggage guy who loads luggage onto planes. So that's what he did and he's in a great med school now.

That's awesome

 

[Jfz]

That's totally fine. I think they schools just don't want you to sit at home, completely lost and just bumming around with no direction in life.

I had a friend two years ago who for some God forsaken reason really wanted to work for the airport as the luggage guy who loads luggage onto planes. So that's what he did and he's in a great med school now.

XD i agree. that is totally awesome.

 

[searun]

I was a construction worker for two years after I graduated from college. Now I am a third year med student. Live your life.

 

[kami333]

That's totally fine. I think they schools just don't want you to sit at home, completely lost and just bumming around with no direction in life.

I had a friend two years ago who for some God forsaken reason really wanted to work for the airport as the luggage guy who loads luggage onto planes. So that's what he did and he's in a great med school now.

Standby tickets. Unlimited standby tickets.

I knew a guy who worked for Delta as a baggage handler for a few years, I never saw him around because he was always flying. He had this huge Hard Rock Cafe pin collection, he would just fly into a city, have lunch and buy a pin, then fly out.

 

[MossPoh]

I only had a semester off and I feel it was one of the best decisions of my life. I got to read books I wanted to read, make a little cash, hang with friends and enjoy life. Just keep busy.

 

[teenmachinery1]

sigh... i just wanna dance..