Strengthening Your Path to Professional School
Taking a growth year can significantly strengthen your candidacy and better prepare you for the demands of professional school. Why choose a growth year?
- Academic and Application Strengthening
When you apply with the intent of a growth year, admissions committees evaluate all four years of undergraduate coursework. Many students show academic growth by senior year, offering a more complete and competitive academic profile. Additionally, your letters of evaluation could be more compelling, as you'll have had multiple classes and potentially research experiences with faculty members who can speak to your growth and capabilities. - Focused Application Preparation
A growth year provides valuable time to focus thoroughly on your application components. You'll have the opportunity to craft thoughtful essays, carefully gather letters of evaluation, adequately prepare for professional school entrance exams, and continue building meaningful academic, social, and clinical experiences. You can begin the organizational process during your junior year and dedicate your senior year to a focused application cycle. - Strategic Exam Preparation
With a whole summer dedicated to entrance exam preparation, you'll have ample time to achieve your target score and additional flexibility for exam scheduling and to retake the exam if needed. This timeline helps reduce stress and enables optimal performance. - Comprehensive Experience Portfolio
Your application will include all activities from the summer following your junior year through your entire senior year, providing a more complete picture of your experiences and growth. - Financial and Personal Benefits
A growth year provides an opportunity to save money before the significant financial investment of professional school. Perhaps most importantly, this time allows you to build your resume, gain valuable experience, develop greater maturity and professionalism, and mentally recharge before taking on the rigorous demands of professional school coursework. Whether you're working full-time, pursuing a fellowship, or volunteering, this time can help you build financial stability and personal resilience.
Why Do We Call It a "Growth Year"?
The time between undergraduate graduation and beginning professional school goes by many names—gap year, bridge year, or transition year. We use "growth year" to emphasize the intentional skill-building and personal development that occurs during this period. Rather than viewing it as time away from academics, we see it as purposeful preparation that enhances your readiness for professional school.
A growth year empowers you to address areas for improvement while pursuing opportunities that reinforce your motivation for a healthcare career, serve your community, and develop essential skills for your future career.
Growth Year Opportunities
Experience & Skill Building:
- Gain valuable clinical experience in healthcare settings.
- Conduct meaningful research projects.
- Volunteer with populations and causes you're passionate about.
- Build a professional network and mentorship relationships.
Academic Improvement:
- Use the time for focused study to take or retake professional entrance exams (MCAT, DAT, GRE, OAT, etc.).
- Enroll in post-baccalaureate programs to prepare for the academic rigor of your professional program.
- Take additional coursework to address academic weaknesses or gaps.
Our Continued Support & Making Your Decision
Your relationship with our health profession advising team doesn't end at graduation. We remain committed to supporting alumni interested in pursuing a career in healthcare, regardless of when you choose to apply. Whether you're taking a growth year or returning to the application process after other experiences, our guidance and resources remain available to you.
It's important to note that there isn't one correct timeline for everyone. Some students thrive by applying directly after their junior year, while others benefit from additional preparation time. Our role is to help you determine which approach aligns best with your individual circumstances and goals. Schedule a meeting with your HPA advisor to further discuss the best timeline for you.