365rulesforpremeds

one-chair asked: what are things to do in a gap year to be a strong applicant?

Considering that we are in the same boat with you, here is a list of the things that we have done/considered during our gap year so far:

• Volunteering in the medical/public health setting (volunteering in a hospital/clinic, shadowing a doctor, etc…)
• Working in the medical/public health setting (ER Scribing, working at a clinic, etc…)
• Working as a research assistant in a science lab
• Volunteering/working in a non-medical community service setting (AmeriCorps, PeaceCorps, etc…)
• Working as an academic tutor
• Teach For America
• Graduate School/Masters Programs (ex: Public Health, Global Health, Biology, etc…)
• Special Masters Programs (SMPs)
• Post Baccalaureate Premedical Programs
• Participating in a medical mission abroad

Of course, this list is in no way exhaustive. There are many things that you can do in your year off to enhance your resume/application. Links to some programs are included above, but please feel free to ask any specific questions about programs that you might be interested in.

Last but not least, further pursue your interests during the gap year. While it is important to show your continued interest in medicine, it is also important to be a well-rounded applicant. Well-rounded, meaning that you are a human with real interests outside of medicine and work.

Readers, if any of you have experience with taking a gap year, LET US KNOW what you have done/considered and how that has affected your experiences!