<p>So I'm starting to apply to different labs for a position for my year off b/w undergrad and med school. I haven't applied to too many yet (around 3 med schools and the NIH) but I've been fortunate enough to have received 4 interviews already. </p>
<p>I had my first one today and explicitly told the interviewer that I plan to apply to med school this year (and therefore could only commit 1 year). I knew this would severely hurt my chances but I felt that ethically it was right to do so. I even went as far to say that if I didn't get into med school this application cycle I would devote another year to her lab. However, the damage as already done. She had my CV in front of her and basically assured me there was no way I wouldn't get into med school and that she was marking me down for a one year committment. Her implication in the end was that my application was perfect except for the huge fact that I could only devote 1 year. </p>
<p>So my question is: how do I get around that? I don't want to omit the fact that I'll be applying but at the same time this is killing my chances of getting a research position.</p>
<p>Unfortunately I think you have faced the dilemma exactly as it is, and I don't see a way to reconcile them both. Either you don't tell them you have a 1-year commitment, or you have to take the "hit".</p>
<p>Alternatively, you could take two off.</p>
<p>lol No way I'm taking two years off. I guess I better hope to get a post-bac NIH IRTA position then.</p>
<p>why are you taking a gap year?</p>
<p>To recharge. I feel that, after a year off, I will be able to approach med school with fresh ethusiasm and energy (which I'm going to need to survive). I also love doing research. Due to the constraints of school, I haven't been able to work on one continous project for an extended amount of time. Now I will be able to, assuming I am able to secure a research position. I really like the NIH's IRTA program (except for the pay) so hopefully I can find a lab that'll take me.</p>
<p>I wish you luck. I worked for one summer at a medschool lab and you are right, you start to get involved in a project and next thing you know its back to school. Meanwhile, I hope to enjoy my 'gap month' in June-which I will probably spend getting my apartment up and ready to go, I just have to decide which school and then try to find a place to live.</p>
<p>Thanks. Good luck w/ your med school choices. Hopefully, I'll be in your position this time next year.</p>
<p>HG: Let me know when the time comes. I'm pretty familiar with the schools I interviewed at, and they might overlap some.</p>