Deciding whether to take a gap year before applying to PA school can be a tough choice for many pre-PA students. Some choose to apply right after undergrad, while others take a year or more to strengthen their applications, gain experience, or take a well-deserved break. So, how do you determine what’s the right path for you? Here’s a guide to help you make an informed decision based on your unique situation.

1. Evaluate Your Current Application Strength

The first thing you should consider is how competitive your application is right now. PA programs are highly competitive, and if you feel that your application could use a boost in one or more areas, a gap year could be a great opportunity to improve your chances.

• GPA: Is your GPA where it needs to be? Most PA programs require a minimum GPA of 3.0, but many successful applicants have GPAs well above this. If your GPA is on the lower end, you might want to consider taking a few additional science courses during a gap year to raise it.
• Patient Care Experience (PCE): Some PA programs require as many as 2,000 hours of hands-on patient care. If you’re lacking sufficient hours, a gap year gives you time to work as a PCT, EMT, medical assistant, or in another healthcare role that provides direct patient interaction.
• GRE Scores: If your GRE scores aren’t where you want them to be, a gap year can give you time to retake the test and improve your scores. Many schools look for competitive GRE results, so raising your score could be a big advantage.

2. Consider Gaining Additional Experience

A gap year can be a great time to gain experience that not only strengthens your application but also gives you a better understanding of the PA profession. Here are some ways to make the most of a gap year:

• Work in Healthcare: If you’re short on patient care experience, this should be your top priority. Work in roles that involve direct patient interaction, such as a medical assistant (MA), certified nursing assistant (CNA), emergency medical technician (EMT), scribe, or a phlebotomist. The more hands-on experience you have with patients, the stronger your application will be.
• Shadowing PAs: Use your gap year to shadow PAs in various specialties. Not only does this give you valuable insight into the profession, but it also shows PA programs that you’ve done your homework and are serious about the PA path. Make sure to log your shadowing hours and reflect on the experiences to share in your application.
• Volunteering: PA schools value applicants who demonstrate compassion and community involvement. Volunteering, particularly in underserved or global health settings, can make your application stand out. Programs like AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, or local free clinics allow you to serve others while gaining healthcare experience.

3. Time for Personal Growth and Reflection

Taking a gap year isn’t just about boosting your résumé. It can also be an opportunity to reflect on your goals, recharge, and grow personally. Many students benefit from taking a break from the rigors of school to focus on their mental and physical well-being. Consider the following:

• Preventing Burnout: After four (or more) years of intense academics, it’s common to feel burnt out. PA school is demanding, so taking time off can allow you to recharge and enter the program with fresh energy.
• Clarifying Your Career Goals: A gap year can provide you with time to reflect on why you want to become a PA and whether this is the best fit for you. Working in different healthcare settings, shadowing PAs, and volunteering can help solidify your decision to pursue this career path.

4. The Financial Implications

While taking a gap year can be incredibly beneficial for your application and personal growth, it’s important to consider the financial impact of delaying your PA school admission. Here are a few financial factors to weigh:

• Cost of Living and Healthcare Experience: Depending on where you work during your gap year, you may need to account for living expenses, especially if you move to a new city. However, many healthcare jobs (e.g., MA, EMT) offer a salary, so you could use this time to save money for PA school.
• Tuition Increases: Tuition costs tend to increase annually, so delaying your PA school start date could mean facing higher tuition rates later on. Be sure to factor in these potential increases when making your decision.

5. Is It Right for You?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to taking a gap year. It ultimately depends on your individual goals, your current application strength, and your personal circumstances. Here are a few final points to consider:

• When a Gap Year Makes Sense: If you need to strengthen your GPA, gain more patient care experience, improve your GRE scores, or simply take time to prevent burnout, a gap year could be the perfect opportunity to do so. It’s also a good idea if you’re still uncertain about your decision to pursue PA school, as the year could help you clarify your goals.
• When to Skip the Gap Year: If your GPA, PCE hours, and GRE scores are already competitive, and you feel mentally ready for the demands of PA school, you might want to apply right away. In this case, skipping the gap year could get you closer to your goal of becoming a PA sooner.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the decision to take a gap year is a personal one, but it’s important to evaluate your current application, career goals, and mental readiness. If you need the time to gain more experience, improve your qualifications, or reflect on your goals, a gap year can be incredibly beneficial. However, if you feel ready and your application is strong, moving straight into the application process might be the right choice for you.

No matter which path you choose, remember that the goal is to become the best PA candidate you can be, so take the time you need to prepare and enter PA school with confidence!