What now?

[ecoli]

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Well, I finally got my mcat scores back: 32S.

I figure I'm probably still in the running for Md/PhD programs. However, I have not yet submitted secondary applications (was waiting for MCAT scores), so I feel like I'm probably getting on the wagon at the tail end of the process.

I have other reasons why I believe my application could benefit from taking a year off, including reasons of personal enrichment (travelling, etc), continuing current research interests, getting more medical-related volunteer experience (only 80 hours in a psych hospital to date). In addition, I could get the chance to boost my GPA (which will be diminished if I have to spend time applying and interviewing this semester). In addition, before embarking on an additional 8 years of school, wouldn't it be wise to take a year off, to see if more school is really right for me? I'm also considering enrolling in the BS/MS dual degree at my school.

On the flip side, every year I take off is a year I will delay graduation. And, as a student still living in my parents house, I could definitely benefit from moving away.

My intuition says taking a year off is probably the way to go (and I don't want to re-take the MCATs). But, perhaps this is my sub-conciouss just trying to take the lazy way out?


Help :-(

 

[magwi11]

Taking time off was the best thing that I did, and I wouldn't trade the things I learned/ got to experience during my yearS off for anything. If you are not feeling ready to go and psyched about the whole thing, TAKE THE TIME. You are much better starting one year later feeling ready to go at a school that you adore than making yourself apply before you're ready and ending up at a place that's not the right fit or burning out in the first year. In the long run, a year or two off is not going to ruin your long term prospects in any way... so don't let the delay in graduation year be the only thing that stops you.

Good luck!

 

[GWD]

I agree with magwii.

I also took a couple of years off, had some life-sculpting experiences, and I think it helped to cauterize my passion and desire for what I now do.

I'm really in no hurry to do anything, honestly. This whole profession is basically a life-long process of learning and training that never really ends, just continuously proceeds by tiny, little baby-steps that take a long time to take.

Of course I'm a very laid back guy who never really gets in much of a rush about anything. The way I figure it, if you look forward to things too often, or are always in a big hurry to get over that next hill, well... then one day you find yourself 85 y.o. sitting on a porch swing watching your grand children play in the yard and wondering "Where the heck did my life go?" I reckon that day will be here before I know it anyway, so I have no desire to rush it.

I love my current lifestyle, and I'm in no hurry to go ANYWHERE quickly. This is actually a point of contension between my PI and myself. Personally, I'd rather work 10 hour days, take 9 years to graduate, and be able to check out a ball game from time to time, or go home and watch the Olympics on TV, or take vacations, etc... then to work 14 hour days, graduate in 8 years, and have no life.

I'm not saying there is really anything wrong with either mindset. I think you can be perfectly content and successful with either lifestyle. You just gotta pick what is right for you personally.

 

[ecoli]

My mother seems to think that if I'm taking a year off to experience the world more/take a break from school, then I should do it. But, if the issue is just to pump up my app, then I should just apply now. If a get rejected, then I'll need to focus on my application anyway.

This seems like good logic to me. I guess I just have some thinking to do... which unfortunately needs to be decided right now (or it'll be too late to apply anyway).

PS - is deferring enrollment an option at most schools?

 

[mudphudwannabe]

PS - is deferring enrollment an option at most schools?

As far as I have heard from my school and from other threads around here, it is not a reliable option. It can be done in some cases, but usually there has to be a pretty good reason for it.

I think I agree with your mom - if you take a year off, it should be the right thing for you, and not just to strengthen your application. Good luck with your decision.

 

[GWD]

If you're gonna take a year off, spend 9 months backpacking the world, and 3 months working a full time job... that being 80% of your time busting-face to re-take the MCAT, and 20% of your time shadowing and volunteering at a local hospital.

You'll improve your MCAT score, you'll have experiences that will forever change your life, and you'll be a profoundly more compelling candidate for the next cycle.

IMO, of course.

 

[URHere]

Wow, it's a little bit creepy how much you sound like me right now. I just want to say a couple of things:

1) I had a 32S also, I applied later than you did, and it really wasn't a hindrance at all schools. Yes, at some schools, applying late really hurt me, and I did have the "why didn't you have a higher MCAT score" convo many times during interviews, but it didn't ruin my application season.

2) MD/PhD applicants can get away with having less clinical experience than their MD-only counterparts. Does it help to have more experience? Sure, but I don't think having only 80 hours is going to hold you back from interviews or acceptances.

So...your chances are nowhere near destroyed. As for taking a year off, I think you need to decide if you are considering it because you are uneasy about your chances or because it is really best for you. If your score was a 36 would you still be thinking about taking time off? If not, then you probably shouldn't be considering it now either (just my opinion). If you were a little uneasy about going into a MD/PhD program to begin with, then time off may be a good idea.

Personally, I did a BS/MS program because I wasn't 100% sure that I liked research enough to devote so much of my life to it. It was the perfect choice for me, but I ended up entering the program late (thus finishing the masters and my thesis in one year) and the actual logistics were HORRIBLE. If you really want to test your devotion to research, it's a good call...otherwise there is no reason to put yourself through something like that.

 

[ecoli]

If your score was a 36 would you still be thinking about taking time off? If not, then you probably shouldn't be considering it now either (just my opinion).

That's an excellent question. I suppose that I would probably be considering time off less seriously.

I've decided to dive in and see what happens. Wish me luck.

Thanks for you all your help guys! It's much appreciated.

 

[Fabricationary]

Same MCAT score here. It's pretty easy to feel down looking at the MCAT scores of folks who post here. I haven't gotten any interviews yet, but I was only officially complete last week (though AMCAS was submitted in June, secondaries in August) b/c it took several weeks for my last LOR to be sent, received, and processed. I still have hope of getting at least 2-3 interviews. One of my pre-med advisors assured me this week that I have legit shot at most of the schools I applied to, so I've decided to be optimistc, at least for the next month or so. I'm sure you'll do great as well.