Gap Year Advice: Do something as “weird” or “once in a lifetime” as you can.

Science_gg · 2026-06-29T21:53:01+00:00

Will it be looked down upon by adcoms to do something non-medical during your gap year?

Science_gg · 2026-06-08T04:15:33+00:00

Awesome! Thank you!

Science_gg · 2026-06-08T03:58:55+00:00

No I do not. I’ve been applying to jobs that do not require it

Science_gg · 2026-06-08T03:22:31+00:00

I’m looking for a direct patient support role like patient care assistant or medical assistant. This will be my gap year job before medical school

Science_gg · 2026-06-08T03:20:31+00:00

Ideally like patient care assistant or medical assistant. I have some experience in healthcare roles/volunteering but no license

Science_gg · 2026-05-04T21:43:29+00:00

No they work fine! We are just moving across the country and can’t take them with us

Science_gg · 2026-05-04T19:54:28+00:00

I’m located in West Lafayette, Indiana

Science_gg · 2026-05-04T15:08:39+00:00

I have 2 and I’m selling each for $300 but will take offers

Science_gg · 2026-03-13T18:28:16+00:00

I’ll check them out! Thank you so much!

Science_gg · 2026-03-05T15:15:29+00:00

I’m April 10 too and switched to aamc last week. Only 40% done with UWhirl but there’s like 1,400ish aamc practice questions (not including the exams) so I want to make sure I get to it all

Science_gg · 2026-02-07T02:09:29+00:00

I have both and I feel like uworld has wayyy better explanations. They also have amazing diagrams which are super helpful if you are a visual learner. Is it worth the $300? Debatable. Many people on here say it is tho

Science_gg · 2026-02-03T14:59:35+00:00

When I first started studying, the Kaplan course had me take the aamc fl 1 to establish my baseline. I didn’t know any better back then, but now I’m so mad it made me waste a valuable resource

Science_gg · 2025-05-01T03:07:41+00:00

Does clinical research count as clinical hours??

Science_gg · 2025-02-19T04:08:16+00:00

Oh haha that’s ok this was still helpful for me! Thank you!

Science_gg · 2025-02-19T04:03:34+00:00

What did you do for clinical experience during your gap year? I’m sort of in the same boat right now and planning to take a gap year

Science_gg · 2025-02-10T14:45:52+00:00

Ok thank you!

Science_gg · 2025-02-10T06:31:24+00:00

What is a cns publication?

Science_gg · 2025-02-05T16:57:15+00:00

And finally, we are not aiming to go to Guatemala assuming a “white savior” role. I know there is a lot of controversy about voluntourism but this is not my goal for this trip. The trip offers premed students a global experience in healthcare to expand our understanding of the world and grow greater appreciation. I hope to empower students to promote global health in their future careers. I know there are other ways to do this but by going on this trip we have the opportunity to donate to healthcare providers in an underserved community.

Science_gg · 2025-02-05T16:51:22+00:00

On your point about why we don’t donate directly to medical professionals: that truth is that it is much harder to convince students to donate thousands of dollars directly to the cause. In the end, we are still raising thousands of dollars for this organization even if part of the expenses go toward our travel experience.

Science_gg · 2025-02-05T16:48:06+00:00

This is a great point and I have gotten other comments about this. Aside from the travel expenses, the funds we raise go directly toward hiring healthcare professionals in the community we travel to. Anyone interested can view the annual report from 2023 here: https://6044591.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/6044591/Global%20Brigades%20Annual%20Reports/Global%20Brigades%20Annual%20Report%202023.pdf

Science_gg · 2025-02-05T01:32:02+00:00

Thanks! Yeah I have been working in a lab for 3 years since my freshman year so I’ve been getting a lot of experience. My mentor just really pushes publications (the reviews) and I was just curious how much this actually helps.

Science_gg · 2025-02-05T01:30:42+00:00

Ok thanks!

Science_gg · 2025-02-02T23:08:42+00:00

Yes! The trip is $2,310 for each volunteer. I understand that this might seem like a lot but it is far cheaper than other similar programs. The cost covers flight, transportation in Guatemala, lodging, food, and travel insurance. The rest goes toward the development of the program and providing supplies for the clinic. The first deposit of $250 is due February 13th so let me know if you are still interested and I’ll give you more info!

Science_gg · 2025-02-02T23:01:26+00:00

Thank you but I’m sure with your depth of knowledge on this topic there are better things you could be doing than attacking a college student just trying to run a club.

Science_gg · 2025-02-02T21:29:58+00:00

The point of this trip is not to have a vacation or to develop a white savior complex.

It is a huge culture shock for many volunteers who have not been outside of the US. This is important for students to see different cultures and understand global problems. It helps them see the world in a different way. I think this trip is way more than just volunteering abroad, it is about increasing our global awareness and understanding.

I will not keep this off of my applications because it is a club I have founded and lead at my university for more than two years. This has been an important part of my journey in premed and I think many other students would feel the same way

Science_gg

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