What Is a Gap Year — and Is It Right for You?
What Is a Gap Year — and Is It Right for You? You’ve seen it in movies: The main character, destined for college, shocks everyone by taking a year off to travel or pursue a passion before deciding their next move. But what about in the real world? How does a gap year play out for students who’ve just earned their undergraduate degrees and are contemplating medical school? A gap year — sometimes called a sabbatical year — is a chance to step back, explore new experiences and work toward personal or professional goals. The beauty of a gap year is that it’s entirely customizable. Some students take one after high school to gain clarity on their college plans, while aspiring medical students might use it to strengthen their med school applications. If you’re considering medical school, deciding whether to take a gap year is a big choice, with both benefits and drawbacks. Below, we break down the pros and cons to help you determine the best path forward. Gap Year Benefits Consider these advantages of taking a year to prepare for medical school. Enhance Your Application From securing letters of recommendation to sending your transcripts, the medical school application process is a marathon, not a sprint
