Should You Take a Gap Year Before Med or Law School?

Should You Take a Gap Year Before Med or Law School?

Taking a gap year before starting medical or law school is an increasingly popular option. However, is it the right move for you? Like most things in the admissions world, the answer depends on your goals, experiences, and readiness. Let’s explore the pros and cons of taking time off before diving into a professional degree.

The Benefits of Taking a Gap Year

1. Strengthen Your Application

If your GPA, LSAT, or MCAT scores aren’t quite where you want them to be, a gap year gives you time to improve. You can retake exams, take post-bacc coursework, or gain valuable work or research experience that adds depth to your application.

2. Build Real-World Experience

Working, volunteering, or doing research during a gap year can provide maturity, leadership, and insight—qualities admissions committees love. It can also help you clarify your professional goals.

Additionally for medical students, giving yourself more time dedicated to building shadowing hours, conducting research, and gaining clinical experience can help as well.

3. Avoid Burnout (& Decide What You Really Want to do Next)

Many applicants are exhausted after undergrad. A year away from academics can be an opportunity to recharge, travel, reflect, and start your next chapter with renewed purpose and clarity. Law or medical school should not be a last-minute decision (and often times cannot be due to prerequisites, the timing of the LSAT/MCAT, and application deadlines). If you're on the fence about your next steps towards your goals, taking some time to decide what you really want to do next ensures your commitment to the daunting (yet rewarding) years ahead.

4. Personal Growth

A gap year can be transformative. Whether you're exploring the world, working in a new field, or caring for family, time away from school often leads to new skills and deeper self-awareness, all of which enrich your application. Knowing who you are and why you want to be a lawyer or physician is an important first step.

Things to Consider Before Taking a Gap Year

1. Are You Trying to Delay or Avoid?

A gap year should be intentional. If you’re considering it to avoid the stress of applying or because you’re unsure about your path, it may be worth reflecting more deeply or speaking with a coach.

2. Financial Considerations

Working during a gap year can help you save money for school—but be sure to have a plan. Time off can come with costs, especially if you lose access to campus resources like advising or health insurance.

3. Momentum and Motivation

Some students thrive with a break. Others lose momentum. Think honestly about your habits, drive, and whether a gap year will reinvigorate or derail your path.

Final Thoughts

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. A well-planned gap year can absolutely strengthen your application, your mindset, and your long-term success in law or medical school. But it should be a strategic decision, not just a default option.

If you’re unsure, we of course can help you map this out. GradMissions supports future med and law students in making confident, informed decisions that set them up for success. We offer free 20-minute strategy sessions. We look forward to working with you!