what to do if you have a year between graduation and going to med school?

[Gator]

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I just wanted to hear of what students are doing if they have a year (or so) off between applying and going to med school? Are students taking undergraduate classes, grad classes, just working, traveling, etc.? Thanks!

 

[Patrick O]

I did research in Bethesda MD in between to help me with med school applications.

 

[Popoy]

Just chillin'.... worked to help others find jobs. No classes.... Been told to enjoy my "last taste of freedom".... FREEEDOMMM!!!!

😎

 

[PalCareGrl]

I worked for a year in a hospital setting (last time I applied) and then this past year I did a one year masters program and then this year I will be working again (at a job that is yet to be determined). Working in a job that I don't want to do forever definitely motivates me to want more... 🙂 But I do want to relax a little.

 

[peiyueng]

I got married.

Pei

 

[innerpower]

As for me, I worked, worked, and worked. 🙁 😉

 

[oceana]

In my year off, I worked in a pediatric research department in a medical school. I really recommend this since I got to work with physicians, residents, and medical students. Now I have a clearer idea about the different lifestyles I will experience thruought my medical training. It was a great conversation starter for interviews. If you can get a publication..that can help you greatly when applying for residency. Chose something that best fits you and enjoy the homework free weekends!!

 

[sethpol]

Working for some much-needed money as a science/math tutor and nursing TA at a university close to home.

 

[Gator]

•Working for some much-needed money as a science/math tutor and nursing TA at a university close to home.•[/QUOTE]

What is a nursing TA?

 

[zorro21]

well, if you are trying to improve your application i would do just that. retake the mcat, take more science classes, do some shadowing, etc. however, if you are confident that you will get accepted, i would take a vacation, get a job, pay off some bills, and have some fun.

 

[sethpol]

Hi,

A nursing TA is a nursing teaching assistant. I help teach the class and hold review sessions for 1st year nursing students in intro anatomy and physiology.

 

[Dana]

I graduated from college in May of 2000 and am starting medical school this August. I definitely do not regret my decision to take a year off before medical school. I spent this year working as a nurse's aid at a local hospital, an experience that was very rewarding. I also had the opportunity to do a lot of traveling and spend time with family and friends. At all of my interviews I was asked what I was doing with my year away from school. However, I don't think they were looking for me to say that I was doing something medically related--they were probably just curious. Make sure you do something that you enjoy! Now that it is almost time to start school again, I am relaxed and ready.