On an F1 visa and considering taking a gap year? Read on...

One thing I've always considered both a blessing and a curse as an international student in the USA is having to plan in advance of classmates/colleagues. A blessing because the F1 visa restrictions force one to think several steps ahead out of fear of being out of status. A curse because naturally, this fear causes anxiety and sometimes forces one to settle too soon. If you are starting your senior year and didn't apply to medical schools this cycle, you may find yourself crippled with fear over what’s next. At least this was what I felt almost althrough the fall semester of my senior year. As I had not taken the MCAT talk less of applying that cycle, inevitably I was going to be taking at least a year off between undergrad and medical school matriculation. Similar to most graduating students on an F1 visa, I had 5 visa friendly options:

1. Apply to a graduate degree program

Options: MPH, MBA, MHS, MHA.., there are several more on this list. I even considered pursuing an advanced degree in nursing (graduate entry specialty).

Pros: having an advanced degree especially a medically related one can be of special interest to prospective medical schools. Oftentimes, these degrees also have some research component which can be a major plus in medical school applications. Additionally, this also allows one to pursue other things outside of the pre-medicine/medicine curriculum. MPH, MBA, MHS, and MHA coursework offer a different perspective on the approach to medical care.

Cons: If you are looking to use this as an avenue to improve your undergraduate GPA, this may not be the best approach. The coursework of the aforementioned master programs is different from the medical school prerequisite. Excelling in these will not necessarily show medical school admission officers that you can endure the rigor of the medical school curriculum. In short, they will not replace a low undergrad science GPA. Also, these programs often come at a high cost. You will also more than likely have to take the GRE.

The cost of these programs and the need to take the GRE were the major turn-offs for me.

Visa considerations: acceptance to any of these programs with sufficient proof of financial support simply means transferring your SEVIS (F1 visa) from your current undergrad to the new institution. You do not need to leave the country, get a new visa stamp, or apply for any new documentation.

2. Apply to a post-baccalaureate program

Options: the options are extensive. Please see this link https://students-residents.aamc.org/postbacc/

Pros: these programs are suited for premedical students looking to fill a gap in their medical school application. This can be raising a science GPA or completing medical school prerequisites. Some programs also offer direct entry to their medical school and may even waive the MCAT provided one meets a certain threshold. These programs offer hope for students lacking the basic medical school admission requirements. They also offer the opportunity to build strong connections with professors.

Cons: these programs are VERY costly and as an international student financial aid/loan assistance will be almost impossible to secure. Also, SEVIS requires F1 visa holders to be enrolled in a full course load as such, taking a few classes here and there at a local university is, unfortunately, not a visa friendly option.

Visa considerations: screen each program carefully to ensure it meets SEVIS requirements. If it does, the process is similar to matriculating in a graduate degree program.

3. Pursue a professional medical experience (scribe, medical assistant, EMT)

Options: scribeamerica.com, job listings at hospitals/local clinics

Pros: MONEY! These are often paid employment with the added advantage of providing exposure to patient care. This is also a great way to demonstrate your commitment to medicine to admission officers.

Cons: offers NO opportunity to raise GPA and study exclusively for the MCAT. One should only consider this provided they have a GPA and MCAT score competitive enough for medical schools. It is very difficult to study for the MCAT with a full-time job, it is not impossible and many people do it, but it is not ideal. The hassle and cost of applying for the OPT is also a downside for some. Also, some of the aforementioned positions (e.g EMT) require some sort of certificate training that comes at a cost.

Visa considerations: you will have to apply for the post-completion OPT to legally have a full-time job. You also have to prove to your undergrad’s DSO that your job is related to your major. It is generally recommended that you apply for the OPT as soon as eligible (90 days before program end date/graduation) to ensure timely approval. Please note that you do not have to have a job in hand to apply. OPTs are valid for 1 year, after which one has to either apply for a 2 year STEM extension (provided undergrad degree is STEM-related), enroll in another degree earning program, change visa status or leave the USA.

4. Conduct paid medically related/translational research

Options: job listings of universities/medical centers/hospitals around the country. These usually come in the form of a research technician, lab assistant, lab manager, or clinical research coordinator. I knew I wanted to move out of the city my undergrad was in so I cast my net wide and far. I applied to research technician positions in Boston, Houston, Dallas, Rochester MN and so one. Pretty much places with major research hospitals. Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and UTSouthwestern were most receptive to my application. I received several phone interviews from these places. I was eventually invited for an in-person interview at Dana-Farber and was offered the research technician position right after the interview March of my senior year of college for mid-May start date.

Pros: often well-paying jobs. Also gives extensive research experience that stands out to medical school admission officers.

Cons: it is employment and with this comes very high expectations. One also has to remain proactive about seeking out clinical opportunities. Also, most labs require at least 2 years' commitment, so this may not be most ideal for someone interested in taking only a year off.

Visa considerations: same as #3

5. Leave the country

This is pretty self-explanatory. I advise that you take the MCAT before leaving if you intend to apply to medical school in the USA.

The bottom line is that there are several great options. Whatever you choose to do will be okay as long as you can show some productivity during the year(s) off and of course not break any visa rules that may jeopardize your legal status in the USA.

As usual, please share with your friends and feel free to leave any comments or questions below.

Yours in support,

Olamide O.