6 Reasons to Take a Gap Year Before Applying to Medical School
Taking a gap year before medical school offers significant benefits for aspiring medical professionals. Although it’s not mandatory, a gap year allows students to strengthen their application by boosting their MCAT scores, gaining clinical experience and partaking in research and volunteering. It’s also a good opportunity to add or expand your knowledge and skills that can later help deliver better patient care in your medical practice. Human nutrition is an important skill to have for an aspiring physician. Nutrition plays a crucial role in both maintaining health and contributing to the development of diseases. It is also a great skill to have on your resume and on your medical school application. The process of applying to medical school is extremely competitive so the more skill and experience you can pack into your application, the higher are your chances of acceptance. Admissions committees seek well-rounded candidates with outstanding credentials.Earning a one-year Master's in Human Nutrition from Columbia University’s Institute of Human Nutrition (IHN), can set you apart from other candidates and make your application stand out.
1. Expand your knowledge
Knowledge of human nutrition is crucial for healthcare professionals in various fields, including medicine, nursing and public health, but not all medical schools teach it the same way. While medical schools do teach nutrition science, it is often limited in scope and hours, and varies between institutions. Many schools focus on the biochemical aspects of nutrientsrather than practical applications like meal planning. This lack of comprehensive nutrition training can leave medical students inadequately prepared to counsel patients on dietary matters. A strong understanding of nutrition can enhance the effectiveness of other therapies and treatments, helpful in medical practice. It allows physicians to provide evidence-based dietary advice to patients, helping them improve their health, manage diseases, prevent future problems, and in some cases even reverse certain health conditions. Recent advancements in nutrition—such as the impact of diet on microbiome, brain health, immunity and inflammatory diseases—allow physicians to fine-tune their patients’ health needs at precision levels. IHN students delve into many of these topics as part of their curriculum.
2. Build clinical experience
Taking a gap year allows you to experience first-hand what the medical profession is like. Working in healthcare settings such as hospitals, clinics, or primary care offices helps build practical experience, provides real-world insight into the medical profession and also demonstrates your commitment to medicine. Columbia University’s IHN master’s degree program provides great opportunities to build such clinical experience. IHN students take classes in which they follow varied medical professionals, observing their interactions with patients and presenting a clinical case in the classroom. Students can also practice their skills at Columbia Student Medical Outreach (CoSMO), a free clinic that serves patients without medical insurance in Northern Harlem and Washington Heights.
3. Volunteer at a clinic or hospital
Some schools have a minimum requirement of 100 volunteer hours, which makes volunteering an important part of your application. Participating in community service or health outreach programs highlights your compassionate nature and ability to work with populations of varied background—qualities highly valued in physicians. Having more volunteer hours can also strengthen your interviews and personal statements for medical schools. Various volunteer opportunities at CoSMO are available for IHN students during their one-year master’s program.
4. Find a research project or publish papers
Taking a gap year gives you an opportunity to try your hand at scientific inquiry. Engaging in research can show your curiosity, analytical skills, and dedication to advancing medical knowledge. Having research projects or publications on your resume will distinguish your medical school application. During their time at Columbia’s IHN, students actively partake in research opportunities, including their thesis projects and published papers. In the past, IHN graduates studied how diets affect sleep and what role vitamin D plays in tuberculosis.
“The research topics expand beyond just nutrition,” says Kim Hekimian, PhD, Director of the IHN’s Master of Science in Nutrition program. “They can branch out into various subjects, including multi-disciplinary projects, ranging from basic science, clinical nutrition and public health. For example, some students had researched how antibiotics given to future mothers can impact brain development and whether social media can make healthful foods more palatable to adolescents.
5. Prep for MCAT
To maximize your success, start prepping for MCAT early. Speak to your professors to seek guidance on your strengths and weaknesses and identify areas for improvement. IHN faculty works closely with students to explain complex concepts in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, psychology and sociology, all of which are covered on the MCAT. Students also work with their assigned mentors at Columbia University Irving Medical Center who can provide helpful tips and effective strategies for tackling different question types and managing time effectively during the exam. Recent IHN graduates share that their hard work pays off. “My MCAT score increased significantly thanks to the supportive instructors and rigorous curriculum,” says Jesse C. Williamson (MS ’22). “I was invited to interview at more than twice as many schools as in a previous, unsuccessful application cycle.”
6. Get recommended by your professors
During Columbia’s IHN master’s program students develop personal relationships with their professors, advisors and mentors. As the year progresses, the faculty observe the students’ progress, foster their growth and help them achieve their best results. At the end of the program, this information is incorporated into students’ letters of recommendation for their medical school applications. The faculty’s perspectives highlight the person’s character, work ethic, and dedication to the medical profession, complementing other application materials.
Conclusion: Use your gap year to get ahead
Taking a gap year allows you to experience various facets of medical profession even before you apply to medical school as well as improve their MCAT scores. As a result, you will have a stronger application that shows your experience, reveals valuable medical knowledge, proves your commitment and demonstrates your academic rigor.
Spending a gap year building the understanding of human nutrition will be an important skill to use in your medical practice to provide comprehensive care to your patients—especially if your future medical school will devote limited hours to that course. If you're a pre-med student thinking about a gap year, consider using it to earn a Master's in Human Nutrition from Columbia University.
Curious about the program? Visit the application page to learn more.