What should I do to make the most of my 3 gap years?

[futureMD4294]

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So I am 23 right now, and I am applying to medical school next cycle. I decided that I want to be a medical student after graduating from college last year, May 2016. I spent this one year working in an operating room and goofed off on studying for the MCAT. Now, instead of rushing my studying and applying late, I want to apply early next cycle. I have planned out a whole list of things I have to achieve before June 2018, but then I will have another year to do absolutely nothing before I get into medical school.

The root of the problem: I feel like I will be wasting a total of 3 years, and I feel like 25 years is too old to begin medical school. What should I do to make the most of my "GAP". I dont want to finish my three year GAP and feel like I wasted it. I am looking into photography and beginning my own youtube channel about my fitness journey, life, and experiences.

Would appreciate the encouragement, suggestions, and critique on my path and/or age. Thanks

 

[ciestar]

I was 25 when I started..almost 26. I also took three gap years.

I worked ~30 hours a week, did a lot of volunteering and some shadowing to pass the time. I also took the MCAT. I quit my job about two months prior to starting school and mostly netflixed and chilled in that time, but also did some traveling.

 

[futureMD4294]

I was 25 when I started..almost 26. I also took three gap years.

I worked ~30 hours a week, did a lot of volunteering and some shadowing to pass the time. I also took the MCAT. I quit my job about two months prior to starting school and mostly netflixed and chilled in that time, but also did some traveling.

Gotcha, any suggestions on planning for life/marriage real adult stuff? Do you think that all was delayed or sacrificed for you? I am single.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[ciestar]

Gotcha, any suggestions on planning for life/marriage real adult stuff? Do you think that all was delayed or sacrificed for you? I am single.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Seeing as I am married, no it wasn't delayed a bit LOL. A bunch of my classmates got married this summer. If you find your special someone and theyre willing to stick by you during this process, it will all work out.

 

[libertyyne]

25 is close to the median age now. It is not too old. Do what brings purpose and joy to your life. Live your life and make sure to sure up your app.

 

[Foodology]

I'm noticing that I'm one of the youngest in my class at 21... our average age is 24

 

[CyrilFiggis]

I'm 30+ and got married while doing all my pre-medical training. My spouse moved across the country with me and life is the same, except now we have winters - the literal kind, not the figurative. I had two classmates get engaged, three married and two have kids. Your life can be just fine in med school as long as you have your life together before med school.

As for the initial question, it's not uncommon for people to strip down their lives, find a job that makes them descent cash until the point they can rent a cheap storage unit and travel for a few months.

 

[futureMD4294]

I was 25 when I started..almost 26. I also took three gap years.

I worked ~30 hours a week, did a lot of volunteering and some shadowing to pass the time. I also took the MCAT. I quit my job about two months prior to starting school and mostly netflixed and chilled in that time, but also did some traveling.

Do you think I would fit in with the "young" group in medical school or the older crowd at 25 years old.

 

[futureMD4294]

I'm noticing that I'm one of the youngest in my class at 21... our average age is 24

Do you think I would fit in with the young crowd at medical school, being 25 years old or with the older?

 

[DBC03]

I'm turning 36 this week and in the middle of the application cycle. I couldn't be happier.

If you decide to go the photography route, send me a message. I've been doing professional photography for over eight years and can help give some pointers.

 

[futureMD4294]

I'm turning 36 this week and in the middle of the application cycle. I couldn't be happier.

If you decide to go the photography route, send me a message. I've been doing professional photography for over eight years and can help give some pointers.

Thats freaking awesome man! Good luck with everything. Actually yes, so my 3 friends and I are complete rookie's at photography. We started looking into spending a year taking pictures and learning Manuel mode photography and editing skills. We plan on getting some family and graduation gigs and do them for free to build a portfolio. I would love to get more insight into it. I will definitely go ahead and message you for this. Thanks

 

[ciestar]

Do you think I would fit in with the "young" group in medical school or the older crowd at 25 years old.

That really depends and is hard to say. It depends in your personality and those around you. Nobody really will care about you're age.

 

[teenyfish]

I'll have 3 gap years too, and start at 26 if I get in next cycle. I'm working in clinical research, and couldn't be happier to make some money, pay back those undergrad loans and live a little in my 20s before diving into medicine. Do what makes you happy, while keeping your eye on medical school and what it requires to get in. You probably won't have this amount of free time again for a looooooong time!

 

[On_The_Way_Up]

3 gap years? You mean you're not going to take 5?

 

[futureMD4294]

3 gap years? You mean you're not going to take 5?

What do you mean

 

[futureMD4294]

3 gap years? You mean you're not going to take 5?

Are you saying that you think I will take 5? Or did you take 5??

 

[CyrilFiggis]

Do you think I would fit in with the "young" group in medical school or the older crowd at 25 years old.

Personality is more of a factor than age. One of my closest friends in school is almost 10 years younger than me. Age is only a factor if you make it one.