Would taking a year off after graduation affect my academic ability?

[yjj8817]

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I was thinking about working in a paid research internship or get a job in a hospital. Would gap year affect my academic ability and hinder my success in med school classes since I would be away from school for one year? Should I just take the late mcat (probably July or even August) and go to med school right after graduation?

 

[BABSstudent]

I was thinking about working in a paid research internship or get a job in a hospital. Would gap year affect my academic ability and hinder my success in med school classes since I would be away from school for one year? Should I just take the late mcat (probably July or even August) and go to med school right after graduation?

People go to medical school 20 years after graduation and do fine. They probably have a tougher time but still make it through fine.

If you want to do a gap year then do it. Finding a job can be difficult, so keep that in mind.

 

[Frazier]

It will only hinder your academic ability if you do drugs hardcore, drink booze like water...and catch syphilis.

 

[TheShaker]

I'm worried about this too. Like after long breaks like summer, I would feel like my mind just won't function for a week or two until I get back into it. I can't imagine what a year would do.

 

[ericksonj15]

.

 

[kmp0410]

After being in school for 18 years (and no breaks in summer for college). I noticed that when I took 2 years off I was actually more motivated.

That said, thats because working in a restaurant sucks and will make you want to study to change your situation.

So if you are simply partying and enjoying life, it might be a bit of an adjustment. But I wouldn't fret over it.

 

[Doctor Strange]

It's like riding a bike. Do what you want.

 

[Mountaineer12]

I'm nearing the end of my gap year and while I'm scared about jumping back into school, I feel so much more rested than if I just went straight to med school after undergrad. I think in the long run that goes a long way fighting off burn out and such.

 

[circulus vitios]

Good luck getting a job in a hospital. Most places have long waiting lists, and they're not going to want to train someone who will be leaving in a year.

 

[Barcu]

You will be fine. You hear a lot more people say that they wished they had taken a year off compared to complaining about coming back from a gap year.

 

[Member 5721720]

For what it's worth, I'm working as a medical scribe and doing research at a medical school for my gap year. I think it's a good decision to take a year off if you feel your application is lacking in certain areas, rather than waste an application attempt. I had 2 years of chemistry research and around 400 hours of shadowing and volunteering, but there was plenty I didn't get to experience, like working in an actual hospital and getting that type of clinical experience. I also did a summer research internship in developmental neuro and decided it would be better for me to take the year off and continue the research from January '13 to August '14, really get some great lab experience in, and then send out my application. Taking a year off is very popular, just as going 4+4 straight. Do what's best for you.

 

[doit4themunki]

I didn't take a year off between undergrad and med school for this same fear. In retrospect I really regret it. ~50% of my class took at least one year off (many people took more than that), and everyone who did said they were really glad they made that decision. I think I started to burn out quicker than those who had a break just because I haven't really had any time to relax in...20 years.

Also, the whole application cycle will be significantly less stressful if you are not doing it in school.

In the end though I don't think it makes too much of a difference, I wouldn't stress too much about this.

 

[Mdtichen]

Good luck getting a job in a hospital. Most places have long waiting lists, and they're not going to want to train someone who will be leaving in a year.

Haha I got a job at a hospital for the year, it's definitely possible.

As for staying sharp, I did research and wrote papers all year. I cannot wait to be back in the classroom though.

 

[tiedyeddog]

I took a year off. It helped me. I was super burnt out after medical school/failed relationship and needed some time off.

 

[milkphlegm]

Agreed - you'll be fine, and probably be happy you did. My time off is making me miss school and I'm really looking forward to going back!