Gap Years

Gap Years for Pre-Health Students

The term gap years (also referred to as bridge years, growth years, or glide years) for pre-health students refers to the amount of time taken between completing your college degree and starting a professional health program. Some students may decide to take 1 gap year, while others may decide to take more. Regardless of the specific amount of time taken, gap years in and of themselves are becoming increasingly common. For example, 2019 from the Association of American Medical Colleges found that 43.9% students who enrolled in medical school took 1-2 gap years, and over 20% took 3 or more gap years.

 

Reasons for Taking Gap Years

There are many different reasons why students choose to take gap years. This can be a valuable time to strengthen applications, gain meaningful experiences, and make sure you are fully prepared for the application process and, eventually, professional school. The following are some common reasons why you might choose to take gap years.

• Enhance your Academic Record: enroll in post-bac coursework—either on your own, through a formal post-bac program, or through a Master’s program—to boost your GPA and academic credentials before applying. Complete any remaining prerequisites needed for programs you plan to apply to.
  
  
• Prepare for an Entrance Exam: take additional time to thoroughly prepare for your MCAT, DAT, GRE, or other entrance exam and take it when you feel ready and confident.
  
  
• Gain Healthcare and Clinical Experience: get additional exposure to working in a healthcare setting, working directly with patients, and/or shadowing health professionals to further strengthen your application and develop various core competencies.
  
  
• Clarify Career Goals: gain additional experience in your field (see previous bullet point), talk to professionals in the field, and continue doing your own research to make sure that career path you’ve chosen is the right fit for you.
  
  
• Engage in Service Opportunities: volunteer in your community and/or participate in a service program to further demonstrate your commitment to helping others.
  
  
• Strengthen Application Materials: take time to work on your personal statement, activities descriptions, and secure strong letters of recommendation.
  
  
• Prepare Financially: find a part-time or full-time job to help save money for the application process and professional school.
  
  
• Explore Personal Interests and Gain Life Experience: engage in travel, hobbies, and interests you have outside of healthcare to give yourself a break and reenergize before starting professional school. Take time for yourself to avoid burnout down the road!
  
  
• Personal or Family Reasons: you may need time to focus on other personal or family priorities before starting your application, and that’s okay. Take the time you need and apply when you are ready.

 

Resources, Opportunities, and Experiences to Explore During Gap Years

Academic & Post-Baccalaureate

• The Association of American Medical Colleges Post-Baccalaureate Database: enables you to search according to program type and other program characteristics.
• Postbac Programs at the National Institute of Health: provides a plethora of training/research programs for recent graduates that are interested in health care.
• Albion College: Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Premedical Studies.
• Lawrence Technological University: Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Premedical Studies.
• Oakland University: Graduate Certificate in Biomedical Sciences.
• University of Michigan: Master of Science in Physiology Program.
• University of Michigan Medical School: Post-Baccalaureate Premedical Program.
• Wayne State University: Graduate Certificate in Premedical Studies.

 

Service

• AmeriCorps: Members make a year-long, full-time commitment to serve on a specific project at a nonprofit organization or public agency to address critical community needs in education, public safety, health, and environment.
• City Year: An education-focused, nonprofit organization that unites young people of all backgrounds for a year of full-time service to keep students in school and on track to graduation.
• International Service Learning: As a socially responsible international educational NGO, ISL enlists medical and educational volunteer teams for the provision of services to under-served populations in Central and South America, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Africa.
• MSU College Advising Corps: College Advising Corps is a year-long, national AmeriCorps program that provides guidance to low-income, first-generation, and underrepresented high school students by helping them successfully navigate through the college enrollment process.
• National Health Corps: The largest health-focused, national AmeriCorps program that promotes health care for America’s underserved, while developing tomorrow’s health care workforce.
• Peace Corps: Volunteers serve abroad for two years, working directly with communities in one of more than 70 countries to build capacity in agriculture, economic development, education, environment, health, and youth development.
• Teach for America: Aims to end educational inequity. TFA corps members serve in high-need schools for two-year commitments.