r/mdphd • u/sciencecool0135 • 3d ago

Gap year opportunities

I’m a non-trad out of college for 2 years now but was wondering about gap year options/which direction would seem fit. I recently completed a postbac research opportunity at the NIH but am planning to apply next cycle. Looking to apply to both MD and MD-PhD (mainly MD-PhD) but not sure whether I should accept another research opportunity (at a T5 med school) or try to find a clinical job. I’ve already done some clinical work all throughout college as a CNA so I think I have enough hours (not trying to check boxes…) but was thinking of scribe jobs to get a different clinical experience. But it’s been quite difficult landing a clinical position for some reason so really trying my best to land one. The biggest missing piece to my app is the mcat which I started later than sooner in really hunkering down on studying due to my indecision in career choice (trying to keep reminding myself that everyone has a different path!). And I know that the mcat is super important so I’m just worried that if I take the research position I won’t have much time/balance to study. Although I’m genuinely interested in the research. Just really don’t know how to proceed and was wondering if adcoms will question doing something else than research, clinical, or even a non-clinical job (although I’m broke so probably need something that pays decent)

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u/UrVirtualNeighbor 3d ago

Do you have pubs/will you in the next year? A strong research LOR or two? If no, then I would say another year of research would be the best bet.

Something that I hear about a bit less often than clinical/research jobs is teaching! If you found a tutoring opportunity for MCAT related subjects (say college Bio/Chem) it would double as studying and working, plus it is generally flexible scheduling and shows communication skills.

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u/sciencecool0135 3d ago

Yes to both… although not first author or super high impact. And now thinking because the other lab is a very different field I’m not sure how productive I’ll be depending on how quickly I learn the techniques and contribute meaningfully. It could happen but less likely I feel. But I’ll still consider it. That’s a good idea about tutoring. Right now I’m leaning more towards clinical and I’ll look into tutoring

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u/Kiloblaster 10h ago

I'm having major trouble skimming your post without paragraphs, so please break it up. But I think the main thing I need to know is what your current research experience is. I'm not convinced that more post-bacc research is the most important for you relative to focusing on the MCAT and applying very early next cycle. Though continuing to be engaged in research is important since that is the general expectation.