Growth Year Plans & Opportunities
Planning and taking a growth-year(s) is one of the best things an undergraduate student can do to become a competitive applicant for professional school. There is no downside to using that time to grow yourself and moreover, professional schools see growth years as mature decision making.
“According to a 2019 survey of incoming medical students conducted by the Association of American Medical Colleges, 43.9% students who enrolled in medical school took one to two gap [Growth] years. Of the students surveyed, 13.4% also took three to four gap years and 7.9% took five or more gap years. If you are taking time off between undergrad [UG] and applying to medical school—or if you are considering that option after undergrad—how can you make the most of it?” [American Medical Association, July2020]
- Choose your language: Language and names are powerful in how we describe ourselves and our goals. Growth Year – implies a time to learn, serve and really grow yourself with intentional experience(s) that strategically uses time to help you become a stronger, more competitive applicant. Gap Year – connotates, taking time-off between school or work. Using this term can make the person feel like their time is wasted and not growing themselves. That’s why we encourage students to talk about and plan for their Growth Year(s).
- Why growth is important: Professional schools and their admissions committees value candidates who have taken the time to make thoughtful and mature decisions while growing and reflecting on their professional competencies. Applicants who are in a rush, underprepared or want to just “throw my hat in the ring” are not strong candidates. Planning for and using the time a growth year provides, does not hurt your chance for admission, and it can make all the difference in a successful application.
- Benefits vary for each person but in general you can:
- Increase shadowing and clinical experience.
- Complete research, internship or abroad experience.
- Finish your undergraduate degree with a strong GPA and take senior year advanced and upper division courses or add a minor/certificate of interest.
- Complete a graduate or postbac program.
- Have time to breathe, reflect, recharge and work/volunteer in a rewarding experience.
- Live as an independent employed adult.
- Earn money to pay off debt.
- Stay connected to medicine/shadow throughout your growth year.
- Reflect on “why medicine” and research your “target” schools based on values and mission.
- Time to pre-write your personal statement and secondary essays.
- Prepare for a strong MCAT, GRE, DAT or another professional test.
- Benefits vary for each person but in general you can:
- How do I plan? Everyone is different in what they need, so completing this self-evaluation is a great start. Then meet with your PPAC Advisor for a one-on-one discussion! This will help determine your strengths, weaknesses, and options to address and leverage your growth year(s).
- Growth Year opportunities:
- Academic: If you identify your area of weakness is insufficient prerequisite courses or lower academic record then the Academic option might be appropriate.
- Career Changer? You completed an undergraduate (UG) major in something without the pre-requisite science and math courses.
- You can take additional UG courses or re-take prerequisites,
- Get a second bachelor’s degree in a science major,
- Look for a program that offers a postbac-career changer program.
- Academic Record Enhancement? You have many of the required prerequisite courses, but your GPA and academic record need strengthening. Talk with your PPAC advisor to determine if:
- Taking more (or re-taking) UG science courses is a good option
- Consider if graduate courses in a Special Master’s Program (1-2years) or Traditional Master’s program(2-3yrs) is your best fit.
- Career Changer? You completed an undergraduate (UG) major in something without the pre-requisite science and math courses.
- Non-Academic: If your academic record and prerequisite courses are strong then consider these other Non-Academic areas to strengthen your application. If you have an experience that takes you into a non-medical field, that’s okay. You will need to find time to also include medical experiences/shadowing. No matter what you choose, be sure to stay connected to your medical field of choice during your growth year(s).
- Research and Research Coordinator positions
- Patient Care and Scribe positions, other clinical experiences
- Service/Work – AmeriCorp, Teach for America, City Year, Peace Corp, National Health Corps, Horseshoe Farm Internship, or any other fulltime employment or Service Work that can build your critical thinking, interpersonal and intrapersonal skills.
- Scholarship – Nationally Competitive Awards
- International opportunities – Volunteer, Intern, teach English, learn and practice cultural humility
- Academic: If you identify your area of weakness is insufficient prerequisite courses or lower academic record then the Academic option might be appropriate.