<p>What are the benefits of doing gap years? Obvious downside for me is I'd just be older by the time I get out of the program.</p>
<p>I'm considering taking 1 or 2 gap years off after graduating UCLA to work as a research technician. I want to apply to MD/PhD programs. </p>
<p>My rationale is that this would give me more time to focus on academic work now, more time to get clinical exposure later and of course to gain more research experience without having to worry about classes.</p>
<p>From the university pages I've visited, the average age of entry for biomedical-related PhD programs is about 24 (and it's probably similar or higher for MD/PhD programs); so don't let age be a factor.</p>
<p>One disadvantage is being out of the classroom for a while, so you might have to make an effort to not forget things over that year or two. But I think taking a year or two off (and doing something useful like being a research technician) can only benefit your application, especially if you didn't/don't get much research done as an undergrad. A lot of people do it.</p>
<p>A major benefit is that you can clarify what research problems exactly interest you, and you can learn more techniques and understand more about the research.</p>
<p>Personally, I don't think there is a downside to taking time off before undergrad, because I think the benefits of really knowing what you want to do far outweigh getting out of grad school a year or two earlier. I think more people should consider taking time off before grad school. I didn't, and I can definitely see the benefits now.</p>
<p>As someone who did take some time off, I fully agree with the comments here and the OP's idea.</p>
<p>I am starting my PhD (just finished my masters) and just turned 29. I am perfectly ok with that as I had no idea what I wanted after undergrad and now I am 100% set on what I love.</p>
<p>Taking 1-2 years to do research, as a technician or in a master's program will only help your application, imho...especially for MD/PhD programs where you will need to stand out.</p>
<p>Very rarely during my PhD interviews was I asked anything about starting kind of late or not being totally traditional, more often I got the opposite response. One interviewer was very pleased with the fact that I had been doing research for awhile and was applying because I knew it was what I loved. </p>
<p>So yeah, look into technician positions or possibly consider a masters. You will be fine, I see no downside.</p>
<p>I second molly and new_user, I took 2 years off after college to work as a tech in research. Now looking back, I really enjoyed every bit of it, and came to realize research is what I wanted to do for my career. I will be applying for PhD programs this year.</p>