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. A gap year not only gives you time to assess your application for any potential weaknesses but also the opportunity to improve them. 

If you need to boost your GPA or MCAT scores, the University of Florida offers several graduate certificates that can deepen your understanding of medical sciences. What’s more, these certificates are offered entirely online, with all courses available asynchronously. This flexibility allows you to complete your coursework at your own pace, whether you’re traveling the world or interning at a healthcare facility to enhance your medical school application. 

Focus on Your Interviews and Volunteering

Congratulations — your medical school application has caught the attention of the admissions team, and they want to schedule an interview! This crucial step gives you your first chance to make a personal impression, but it’s more than just answering tough questions. 

With a gap year, you’ll have the freedom to plan your travel arrangements without the pressure of exams or assignments looming. Picture this: you fly to another city for your interview, only to come home and immediately face an important exam. A gap year gives you the flexibility to manage your interview schedule and even explore new cities, all while reducing stress. 

Additionally, during your gap year, you’ll have more time to volunteer. Not only will this strengthen your application, it will also give you the opportunity to personalize your interview responses with real-world experiences and insights. 

Gap Year Disadvantages 

While a gap year offers numerous benefits, it’s important to consider the potential drawbacks as well. 

The Cost Factor 

While a gap year offers valuable personal and professional growth, it also comes with financial considerations. College expenses are typically covered by scholarships, grants or student loans, but taking a gap year could affect your student loan repayment schedule. Many lenders offer varying deferment policies, so it’s crucial to understand your lender’s terms — especially if you plan on attending medical school afterward, as there may be exceptions for students in this path. 

Another financial factor to consider is the opportunity cost of missing out on a year of a physician’s salary. This delay in entering the workforce can add to your financial burden, making it more challenging to repay student loans or cover other expenses. 

Readjusting to Life as a Student 

As a child, were you one of those students who could easily slip back into “student” mode as soon as the school bell rang on the first day of class? Or did you find yourself dragging your feet as you retrained your brain to focus? If you struggled to adjust back to the pace of school after summer break, a gap year might make the transition to medical school more challenging, as the coursework is more intense and the time away is longer. Applying to medical school during your junior year allows you to maintain your academic momentum and avoid the adjustment period that comes with taking time off. 

There’s no right or wrong answer when it comes to taking a gap year – just what’s best for your personal situation. Regardless of your decision, our online graduate certificate programs are available year round. Get started and submit your application today!