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Questions about a year off.


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I am a student going into fourth year undergrad. I may have to take a year off next year due to a few reasons. The thing is, I personally would TA a few lab sections, shadow a few more doctors, volunteer a few more places etc in order to strengthen my application for the following year. A few people, including my parents, have been telling me that adcoms will see me as lazy if I don't take classes in my time off. I am not reasonably close to any more minors/majors, so I don't really see the point of spending that money just because. Can any of you guys please assess this situation for me and tell me what you'd do or give any advice you may have?

 

Thanks in advance.

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I am a student going into fourth year undergrad. I may have to take a year off next year due to a few reasons. The thing is, I personally would TA a few lab sections, shadow a few more doctors, volunteer a few more places etc in order to strengthen my application for the following year. A few people, including my parents, have been telling me that adcoms will see me as lazy if I don't take classes in my time off. I am not reasonably close to any more minors/majors, so I don't really see the point of spending that money just because. Can any of you guys please assess this situation for me and tell me what you'd do or give any advice you may have?

 

Thanks in advance.

 

I don't think they will see you as lazy. Clearly you have a plan to keep yourself busy and be somewhat productive during this time, so it's not a problem. Some people take random years off within their degree or after for a bunch of reasons, including they didnt get into med school, they want to work/travel/whatever, or I know a couple who were either overworked, had some personal issues, or even dealt with mental health concerns like depression. Everyone has their own reasons and I think as long as you keep up with your grades, have a good mcat, solid ECs, I don't see why you wouldn't get in eventually. They may look down if someone is taking 7-8 years, not doing full course loads, not getting good grades but if you're composed whenever you are in school, it should be fine.

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Taking classes during a year off is definitely not expected but do be productive in other ways so that you can answer the question "What did you do/accomplish in your year off" (A common question from US schools in the secondary application)

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