Will I need to take a gap year?

[Petor16]

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I am a first-year undergraduate biochemistry major and I just completed my first semester. I am on pace to easily finish my bachelor's degree in 3 years (no more than 13 credits a semester from here on out, albeit with some dense semesters) since I graduated high school with an Associate of Arts degree. 62 credits total, 34 through dual enrollment.

This past semester I got a 4.0 while taking 15 credits (including bio 1 and chem 1) and next semester I am only taking 13 but all science classes.
I am currently planning on taking the MCAT April or May of 2021. By then, I will have taken Bio 1&2, Chem 1&2, Ochem 1&2, Biochem 1*, Physics 1^&2*, Psych 1000, a physiology class, and other science classes that will not be on the MCAT.

* = taking the semester I study for and take the MCAT
^= Credit given by dual enrollment

Would I be shooting myself in the foot by applying the summer after my second year? Obviously, if my MCAT or grades aren't up to par I can't apply then but I would prefer not to take a gap year.


I should note that I also got my EMT certification in July and I am going to try and work as an EMT starting next semester. I don't believe my EC's will be too weak (they won't be impeccable because of the shortened timeframe but they should be able to hold their weight. I also have connections to some shadowing so I will definitely be doing that over this break and in the future.

Other somewhat relevant info
My cGPA before this semester was a 3.44, sGPA was a 3.41
Now cGPA is 3.61 and sGPA is 3.62
I am going to be getting a psych minor too (still not taking more than 13) for some easier classes and because I will almost exclusively be taking hard-science classes in college (and state school wants a social science or humanities writing intensive)

I'm also an excessive planner so if you would like to see my schedule or other things let me know

 

[candbgirl]

What’s your hurry? You need to be a well rounded applicant. You’ve listed possible shadowing and hopefully EMT. Nothing definite. Roughly you currently need around 50 hours of shadowing. Some of it should be with a primary care doc. Additionally you are expected to have 150+ hours of clinical experience. This can be EMT but you should also get extensive experience with the sick, injured and dying. ADCOMS like to see longevity in service. They want to make sure you understand what you will be doing for the next 35+ years is really what you want to be doing. Additionally , some people don’t look favorably on only having EMT experience.
You also need 150+ hours in volunteer service to those less fortunate than yourself in your community. Get off campus and out of your comfort zone and find some activities like soup kitchens, homeless shelters, Habitat for a Humanity, camps for sick kids, coaching disadvantages kids in a team sport.
Are you going to try to get any research experience?
Currently only around 40% of all applicants are accepted each cycle and the whole admissions process gets more competitive each year. That means 60% of all applicants are rejected each cycle, including applicants with stellar applications. You really only want to apply one time with the best application possible so slow down and do it right the first time. Rushing through can cause some people to question your maturity and judgement. So slow down and do it right the first time.

 

[Petor16]

What’s your hurry? You need to be a well rounded applicant. You’ve listed possible shadowing and hopefully EMT. Nothing definite. Roughly you currently need around 50 hours of shadowing. Some of it should be with a primary care doc. Additionally you are expected to have 150+ hours of clinical experience. This can be EMT but you should also get extensive experience with the sick, injured and dying. ADCOMS like to see longevity in service. They want to make sure you understand what you will be doing for the next 35+ years is really what you want to be doing. Additionally , some people don’t look favorably on only having EMT experience.
You also need 150+ hours in volunteer service to those less fortunate than yourself in your community. Get off campus and out of your comfort zone and find some activities like soup kitchens, homeless shelters, Habitat for a Humanity, camps for sick kids, coaching disadvantages kids in a team sport.
Are you going to try to get any research experience?
Currently only around 40% of all applicants are accepted each cycle and the whole admissions process gets more competitive each year. That means 60% of all applicants are rejected each cycle, including applicants with stellar applications. You really only want to apply one time with the best application possible so slow down and do it right the first time. Rushing through can cause some people to question your maturity and judgement. So slow down and do it right the first time.

I know I've just started the process, but I don't feel as if I would be rushing. I would have a shorter process than most, but I believe I can still accomplish everything that I need to from now until the application. I have and will continue to get non-clinical volunteer hours through the EMT class I was taught at. Thank you for specifying that I need to have volunteer hours with those less fortunate, I didn't realize that it had to be focused like that. I am going to try and get a research job this summer.

I for sure only want to apply one time, but I also don't feel the need to delay if I'm ready. I also don't want to have to spend a ton of money taking classes that I don't need or filling up a year to put me in the same timeline as everyone else. If it will help me become a better applicant I most certainly will but I don't see a need to completely slow down as of yet.

 

[Rachapkis]

I am a first-year undergraduate biochemistry major and I just completed my first semester. I am on pace to easily finish my bachelor's degree in 3 years (no more than 13 credits a semester from here on out, albeit with some dense semesters) since I graduated high school with an Associate of Arts degree. 62 credits total, 34 through dual enrollment.

This past semester I got a 4.0 while taking 15 credits (including bio 1 and chem 1) and next semester I am only taking 13 but all science classes.
I am currently planning on taking the MCAT April or May of 2021. By then, I will have taken Bio 1&2, Chem 1&2, Ochem 1&2, Biochem 1*, Physics 1^&2*, Psych 1000, a physiology class, and other science classes that will not be on the MCAT.

* = taking the semester I study for and take the MCAT
^= Credit given by dual enrollment

Would I be shooting myself in the foot by applying the summer after my second year? Obviously, if my MCAT or grades aren't up to par I can't apply then but I would prefer not to take a gap year.


I should note that I also got my EMT certification in July and I am going to try and work as an EMT starting next semester. I don't believe my EC's will be too weak (they won't be impeccable because of the shortened timeframe but they should be able to hold their weight. I also have connections to some shadowing so I will definitely be doing that over this break and in the future.

Other somewhat relevant info
My cGPA before this semester was a 3.44, sGPA was a 3.41
Now cGPA is 3.61 and sGPA is 3.62
I am going to be getting a psych minor too (still not taking more than 13) for some easier classes and because I will almost exclusively be taking hard-science classes in college (and state school wants a social science or humanities writing intensive)

I'm also an excessive planner so if you would like to see my schedule or other things let me know

Sixty percent of medical school applicants are not accepted to a single school. This means that there is a premium on having an excellent application, not finishing early. Besides, you have the rest of your life to work hard. I would consider exploring new and diverse interests, addressing any holes in your ECs, and making sure that you are as well prepared as you can be for the MCAT.

 

[candbgirl]

I know I've just started the process, but I don't feel as if I would be rushing. I would have a shorter process than most, but I believe I can still accomplish everything that I need to from now until the application. I have and will continue to get non-clinical volunteer hours through the EMT class I was taught at. Thank you for specifying that I need to have volunteer hours with those less fortunate, I didn't realize that it had to be focused like that. I am going to try and get a research job this summer.

I for sure only want to apply one time, but I also don't feel the need to delay if I'm ready. I also don't want to have to spend a ton of money taking classes that I don't need or filling up a year to put me in the same timeline as everyone else. If it will help me become a better applicant I most certainly will but I don't see a need to completely slow down as of yet.

You asked for advice/help/responses. If you aren’t even willing to consider what people say when they take time to respond, why did you ask. You need to spend time reading WAMC threads and see what other people have on their application.

 

[deleted1001426]

Before you get too far ahead of yourself, I think you should take a few minutes today to take a look at the incoming class profiles for a few of the schools you think you’d eventually like to apply to.. that should more than adequate in displaying gonnif’s point that 150 hours of emting and 2 years of reduced intro level course-loads isn’t going to be enough.

I’m sure you’re bright/capable and all but I just don’t think you understand the caliber of students you’ll be competing against

 

[Petor16]

[QUOTE="gonnif, post: 21455552, member: 276335
Is your goal to get into medical school or to get into medical school quickly?
1) How would EMT be non-clinical?
2) 100% apply,60% get rejected, 20% get a single acceptance, 20% get multiple acceptance
3) of the nearly 1,000,000 individual applicants filed across all the schools, at max there are 150,000 interview slots, which means at any individual school, 80%+ of applications never even get an interview
4) Of those who are accepted, 60% take at least one gap year
5) 60% of those with 3.6-3.8 cGPA do not get an acceptance
6) you plan to take needed MCAT classes the same term you intend to prep for an exam that will set the direction of your life
7) most applicants woefully underestimate the time and effort necessary to: 1) prep and do well on MCAT; 2) complete challenging courses; 3) write a highly polished, coherent and compelling Primary; and 4) write and polish 15-30 secondary applications.
8) applying after 2 years of "actual" college experience with lighter course loads is not going to be highly impressive. It normal for "traditional premeds" to have a chemistry, biology, math or physics, and two labs, in every term. Hence why courses are often referred to as freshman chemistry, freshman physics.
9) The main consideration of a college record and associated EC are to show you have proven you have the student skills, discipline, study habits, etc to handles the rigors of medical education. You are have a year of college in HS/CC, only 2 years in actual college, a lighter than typical course load, few opportunities or time for significant ECs including 150 each of clinical and non clinical, no research, etc. Even if you get a solid MCAT, you are a below average to to weak candidate from where I stand
[/QUOTE]

I think the EMT would be non-clincial because its working in the classroom and not with actual patients.

I know I haven't started prepping for it and seeing how much time it actually takes to study and fully prepare for the MCAT, right now my plan is to start studying in November and take it in April. But that's just a way too early guess at the study time.

You're right that I haven't really had to take any challenging courses yet. My initial plan was to see how much I struggle in ochem next semester and adapt my plan off of that

My course loads are "lighter" based on the number of credits, but they're going to be very dense. I took 12 credits of science this semester, and the lowest amount of science courses I'm planning on taking before when I hope to apply is 9 (when I'm studying for it). I will have 2 labs every term other than the one I take the MCAT where I'd have one physics lab.

This is me being confused, but why would I be looked down on for taking the intro and required MCAT courses when non-science majors only complete the required amount?

Its too early for me to say what I'm for sure doing. Applying after my second year would be ideal, but I will have to see where my ECs and GPA are at by the time I start studying for the MCAT. If they're weak or even not strong/up to par I'm obviously going to delay taking it because I don't want to be lacking in anything when I apply

My biggest thing is if I can (I know it is a big if) I am able to get the hours, scores, and experiences in by next November, what would be stopping me from getting accepted should I apply that spring?

 

[deleted1001426]

I think the EMT would be non-clincial because its working in the classroom and not with actual patients.

what... this defeats the entire purpose of emting. Go join a volunteer squad and do like 6hrs per week.

My course loads are "lighter" based on the number of credits, but they're going to be very dense. I took 12 credits of science this semester, and the lowest amount of science courses I'm planning on taking before when I hope to apply is 9 (when I'm studying for it). I will have 2 labs every term other than the one I take the MCAT where I'd have one physics lab.

Also i hate to be the bearer of bad news but 2 labs isnt a dense semester, it is what the typical undergrad stem major takes in conjunction with the rest of a full course load and med schools know that. Youre not doing yourself any favors by limiting your course load, if anything it just signifies to schools that you dont think you have the ability to handle a rigorous schedule

 

[caterwaiter]

It's such a nice feeling to have everything you need for your future career planned out, and I don't want to dismiss that for you--congrats on your preparation! Looking back on my undergraduate years, what I can say is that I am happy I took advantage of every opportunity that popped up on a whim. Not only things that might look good on AMCAS, but things that genuinely interested me. Things outside of my comfort zone. You have all of the time in the world ahead of you--enjoy it. Good luck!

 

[KnightDoc]

I am a first-year undergraduate biochemistry major and I just completed my first semester. I am on pace to easily finish my bachelor's degree in 3 years (no more than 13 credits a semester from here on out, albeit with some dense semesters) since I graduated high school with an Associate of Arts degree. 62 credits total, 34 through dual enrollment.

This past semester I got a 4.0 while taking 15 credits (including bio 1 and chem 1) and next semester I am only taking 13 but all science classes.
I am currently planning on taking the MCAT April or May of 2021. By then, I will have taken Bio 1&2, Chem 1&2, Ochem 1&2, Biochem 1*, Physics 1^&2*, Psych 1000, a physiology class, and other science classes that will not be on the MCAT.

* = taking the semester I study for and take the MCAT
^= Credit given by dual enrollment

Would I be shooting myself in the foot by applying the summer after my second year? Obviously, if my MCAT or grades aren't up to par I can't apply then but I would prefer not to take a gap year.


I should note that I also got my EMT certification in July and I am going to try and work as an EMT starting next semester. I don't believe my EC's will be too weak (they won't be impeccable because of the shortened timeframe but they should be able to hold their weight. I also have connections to some shadowing so I will definitely be doing that over this break and in the future.

Other somewhat relevant info
My cGPA before this semester was a 3.44, sGPA was a 3.41
Now cGPA is 3.61 and sGPA is 3.62
I am going to be getting a psych minor too (still not taking more than 13) for some easier classes and because I will almost exclusively be taking hard-science classes in college (and state school wants a social science or humanities writing intensive)

I'm also an excessive planner so if you would like to see my schedule or other things let me know

You're setting yourself up for failure. Currently, around 2/3 of matriculants have at least one gap year, and that's after 4 years of UG. You're going to make it really hard on yourself to try to go straight through after only 3 years. My advice would either be to slow down and stay in school for the 4th year, or totally plan on taking the gap year and have the best of all worlds by giving yourself the advantages of the gap year while still being in a position to matriculate 4 years after graduating high school! You're just not going to have enough time to graduate in 3 years and check enough boxes to be competitive.

 

[Petor16]

what... this defeats the entire purpose of emting. Go join a volunteer squad and do like 6hrs per week.

Also i hate to be the bearer of bad news but 2 labs isnt a dense semester, it is what the typical undergrad stem major takes in conjunction with the rest of a full course load and med schools know that. Youre not doing yourself any favors by limiting your course load, if anything it just signifies to schools that you dont think you have the ability to handle a rigorous schedule

I don't use it for EMT, I enjoy coming back to that class and volunteering. When I come back from college (I go to college out of state) I try and stop in and help because I enjoy doing it and its fun to do. I know it doesn't replace anything else but it's just something I find enjoyable to do while I'm back

I know two labs by themselves isn't a dense semester, it was more a response to the above post than an explanation of why my schedule is going to be dense.

The reason I'm not planning taking a "full" (I'll always have at least 12 even though that is lighter than most premeds) is for a few reasons. One of the main factors is for my degree, I don't have to take that many courses to get my degree and minor and I can't see a need to pay for courses that meet no criteria and don't mean anything. Most people will have plenty of electives to fill in and other humanities but I have all of those already so I'd be packing science classes in that I have no need taking- unless my GPA slips

 

[Petor16]

After reading all of the comments, unfortunately I'm realizing that I would be putting myself at a major disadvantage and shooting myself in the foot to rush into it.

My biggest question now is if I was in my situation and gotten the credits because I either changed my major or transferred from a cc, would the responses be the same? Would the advice be the same if I was older?

 

[Destalchemy]

Theres also the maturity aspect. I remember reading about a 19 year old who was applying to med schools. He had pretty decent stats especially for getting all his boxes checked by 19.

He got rejected at every school. He wasn't mature enough. The interviews murdered him. He was just a kid. A smart kid, but not someone ready emotionally

 

[Destalchemy]

Direct Nonclinical volunteering especially with marginalized, underserved populations is what is needed

Would working with Make-A-Wish kids fulfill this requirement?

 

[Destalchemy]

It was poorly worded, my apologies. I've heard you reiterate that non clinical volunteering should be serving the needy ideally. In other threads i've seen you list homeless shelters, inner city work, etc. I moreso meant, does make a wish count as "underdeserved".

Many of these families come from a high socioeconomic background. They have a wish being granted for them, and an all expense paid week stay at give-kids-the-world, a non profit who's facilities provide housing/entertainment to those whose wish involves Disney, etc in central Florida. It doesnt quite feel the same as volunteering at, say, a soup kitchen where these people dont even have enough food to eat. My brother was in make a wish and ive been volunteering there for close to a decade so I'm not just trying to check a box. Thanks for your advice as always.

 

[nimbus]

Theres also the maturity aspect. I remember reading about a 19 year old who was applying to med schools. He had pretty decent stats especially for getting all his boxes checked by 19.

He got rejected at every school. He wasn't mature enough. The interviews murdered him. He was just a kid. A smart kid, but not someone ready emotionally

I applied when I was 20, started med school when I was 21. Accepted at every school I applied except Columbia and Cornell. A lot of my classmates were the same age. It’s not that uncommon.

 

[Destalchemy]

Matriculating at 20 puts you in the 1-5th percentile in age. It is absolutely young for medical school.

21-22 represents the 5-25th percentile. So 21 is still young as well though def more common.

Being <21 your first year of med school is like being >30: you are an outlier.

 

[mmchick]

The general consensus is this: you're rushing you apply only 2 years into college, you'd be what, 19? That's rushing. Average matriculation age is 25 for a reason, gap years are becoming increasingly preferred by adcoms for a reason - maturity, perspective, true understanding of why you want to be in medicine.

If you want to rush, do it, let us know how it turns out. If you want to do it in a more structured fashion that reflects one's actual desire to be a well-rounded medical student vs getting in as quickly as possible, you'll graduate early and take 1-2 gap years with first time employment. Personally, I believe this post-graduate employment phase should be entirely necessary as I look back just only a couple years ago when I was in college and can't help but seriously cringe at the fact that I thought I was mature enough then to become a doctor. I've cherished these past couple of years learning how to be an adult, balancing life responsibility, enjoying my early 20's with all this free-time aside from a 9-5 FT job, and wouldn't trade those 2 years in medical school instead for the world.

You're literally a kid who just finished their first semester of college and you're already placing yourself mentally into the next phase of medical school. Slow down, enjoy college for heck's sake. You won't get those years back and there's literally no good reason to rush life whatsoever.