Im currently a sophomore in college at Umich and im also premed. I initially wanted to try to and finish my undergraduate study in the normal 4 year time and then apply to med school straight away. However, i noticed that in order to accomplish this I would basically have to take may hard classes simultaneously (since Im a neuroscience major) as well as take some courses over the summer. I also really wanted to study abroad for a semester but would have to give that up too if i want to finish “on time.” I started becoming concerned about what the benefits would even be if i rushed my classes just to pass them in 4 years (with probably mediocre grades) when this means i probably wont even get into med school.
Would it be a good idea to consider a gap year and spread out my classes onto a 5th year semester? In what ways would this be looked down upon by med schools?
It is my understanding that taking a 5th year is worth it if your goal is to get into med school and it is necessary to keep your GPA and MCAT scores competitive. However, I am not -re-med so tke my advice with a grain of salt. Your best resources to seek advice from would be successful med school applicants from Michigan UG and profs. Your academic advisor is also a great resource, but they have a propensity to to always encourage staying at Michigan longer (I feel like they have a vested interest in that happening).
Go to summer school and skip the semester abroad if that will slow you down.
You have enough years of education and training already if you will be a doctor, why add another year ?
I don’t THINK it’s “looked down upon”. But you would only get one extra semester really for premed because there’s not many pre-med requirements you can do abroad (I looked into it at my school and was basically told it was impossible). Probably makes more sense to do the summer courses and study abroad one summer (a lot of schools have 6 week programs). It would be cheaper and faster.
A very popular view on this situation (as well as my personal opinion) is the exact opposite of blevine’s. You have many years of tough schooling/training directly in front of you, occupying the rest of your 20s/youth years. Why not take a year off to explore the world/experience new things with youthful enthusiasm/actually have a year in your 20s before jumping into med school? A significant percentage (I think I read around 70% somewhere) of first year medical students do not come straight out of college. Would you rather have the extra year now at 22 years old? Or have the extra year later on to work the job you’ll be doing for the rest of your life? It all depends on your personal situation obviously (money, family, etc…), but don’t think you’re deviating from some routine path all future doctors take.