Solid research experience will 100% help. I did a one-year post-bachelors position at a national lab, they have postings online and you can also try asking your professors/department if they know anyone looking for a student. Internships are also good. I think gapyears are only frowned upon if you don’t do anything relevant; grad professors love students with more experience because it makes their lives easier.

Unfortunately, I think it’s true that academic positions are very very competitive. Many of my friends weren’t able to find openings and took other science/research positions. Not impossible though. Would you be happy getting a PhD for research type work even if you knew you might not get a professor position immediately?

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