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Is it wise to take a gap year between college and med school? What are the best majors for pre-med?

I am a student trying to figure out the best course of action for my undergrad! I would love to be able to directly speak to a medical professional who is a physician or PA.

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Eridian’s Answer

I'm not a medical professional but I have several friends who took gap years before going into medical school! Some of them used their gap year to gain research experience and others used it to gain experience in healthcare/public health through programs like AmeriCorps or Peace Corps. You don't have to take a gap year but it's a great option if you need a break after your undergraduate studies and get some exposure to the field of medicine before actually going to medical school.
Thank you comment icon It is a very competitive world out there. These days, medical schools value students who are 24 or older. They view them as more emotionally mature and professionally experienced. In addition, they also see these students are individuals driven by their intrinsic motivators to pursue medicine. Danuta Charland, PhD, MCJ, CAGS
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Danuta’s Answer

Absolutely YES!
I did a qualitative research study of premedical advisor that showed that Gap Year is highly recommended before medical school. I have pasted the link for your viewing:

http://gateway.proquest.com/openurl?url_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:dissertation&res_dat=xri:pqm&rft_dat=xri:pqdiss:30314619

There are multiple reasons for taking a gap year, eg., grades, extracurricular experiences, finances, extrinsic vs intrinsic motivators, and student burnout.
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Jacqueline’s Answer

Hello Jenna, I wholeheartedly suggest considering a gap year. If your financial situation allows it, a gap year can be an enlightening experience that offers clarity about your potential college major. Remember, there's a vast universe of majors beyond the 'typical' ones, and I encourage you to explore this diversity through internships in various medical fields.

While I'm not a medical expert, my journey began with ambitions of becoming a pediatric physical therapist. However, an insightful internship made me realize it wasn't the right fit for me. This led me to the fascinating world of anthropology, where I pursued a major with a focus on biology. I hope my experience inspires you on your journey!
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Eric’s Answer

It’s more difficult to take a gap year during medical school or residency or fellowship then it is before. Depending on how you use your time, it may make you more attractive to schools and residency programs in the future.

Especially if you feel tired and burnt out after your undergrad training, I recommend taking some time out. Yes, it will delay your future physician salary by a year, but you have the rest of your life to make that up.
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Karissa’s Answer

Maybe if you backpacked Europe. If you stay home then work as a scribe at an ER. Staying home and and not working in the medical field will hurt you. You are competing with students who can show they are continuing with a rigorous courseload without pausing. Also, you are losing a year of pay as a physician. This could be $300,000. Compare yourself to the medical school applicant pool and know that spots are limited and you do not want to end up at a DO program in a rural location.
Thank you comment icon I agree with Karissa 100%. Med schools want to see students become professionally and educationally engaged in activities that serve as evidence they are serious about medicine. Danuta Charland, PhD, MCJ, CAGS
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