Gap Year Before Medical School - The Right Decision?
The undergraduate years are often seen as the warm-up before “medical school,” however the process will be mentally and physically taxing for pre-meds. So, many students usually consider taking a gap year before medical school for a variety of reasons. Some students may feel burnt out after their undergraduate studies and want a break to recharge, while others may want to gain additional experience or explore other interests before committing to a demanding medical school program. Taking a gap year can have both advantages and disadvantages, and ultimately the decision to take a gap year should be based on the individual student's circumstances and goals.
One of the main advantages of taking a gap year before medical school is that it can provide students with the opportunity to gain additional experience and skills that can be beneficial in their future careers as doctors. For example, students may choose to take on internships or volunteer positions in healthcare settings, which can provide them with valuable hands-on experience and help them develop a deeper understanding of the medical field. Furthermore, 23% of those who take a gap year pursue graduate studies before applying to medical schools. At the end of the day, all of these things can help make an applicant stronger in the next admissions cycle. Another potential advantage of taking a gap year is that it can allow students to recharge and refocus after their undergraduate studies. Medical school is an intense and demanding program, and starting it without taking a break can be overwhelming for some students. By taking a gap year, students can have the time to rest and relax, which can help them approach medical school with a clear mind and renewed energy. Others may want to explore other interests before committing to a demanding medical school program. Many also use the time off to travel and fulfill immediate family obligations. When explained well, medical schools barely glance at the time taken off.
However, there are also multiple disadvantages to taking a gap year before medical school. One of the main disadvantages is that it can cause students to lose momentum and become less competitive in the medical school admissions process. Medical schools typically have highly competitive admissions processes, and taking a gap year can cause students to lose the academic and extracurricular achievements that they have gained during their undergraduate studies. This can make it more difficult for students to stand out from the competition and get accepted into their desired medical schools. However, everything depends on how the gap year is spent. If the gap year strengthens the application, the gap year will be beneficial, however, if it is wasted, it is shown as a mark of disapproval. Another potential disadvantage of taking a gap year is that it can be costly. Many students who take gap years choose to travel or pursue other interests, which can be expensive. This can add financial burden to students already facing high medical school tuition and fees. Additionally, taking a gap year can also cause students to delay their medical careers, which can lead to a longer time to repay their student loans and a lower income during the gap year.
Overall, whether or not to take a gap year before medical school is a personal decision that depends on the individual student's circumstances and goals. While taking a gap year can provide students with valuable experience and the chance to recharge, it can also cause them to lose momentum and incur additional costs. Students should carefully weigh the potential advantages and disadvantages of a gap year before deciding.
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BeMo Academic Consulting Inc. “Gap Year before Medical School: The 2022 Guide.” BeMo®, BeMo Academic Consulting Inc., 3 Nov. 2020, bemoacademicconsulting.com/blog/gap-year-before-medical-school. Accessed 11 Dec. 2022.
“Premeds: Capitalize on Gap Years before Applying to Medical School.” American Medical Association, 22 July 2020, www.ama-assn.org/medical-students/preparing-medical-school/premeds-capitalize-gap-years-applying-medical-school. Accessed 11 Dec. 2022.
“Pros and Cons of Taking a Gap Year before Medical School.” InGenius Prep, 3 July 2019, ingeniusprep.com/blog/gap-year-before-medical-school/. Accessed 11 Dec. 2022.
“Should You Take a Gap Year before Medical School? - GradSchoolHub.” GradSchoolHub, 31 Mar. 2021, www.gradschoolhub.com/faqs/should-you-take-a-gap-year-before-medical-school/. Accessed 11 Dec. 2022.
