I am unsure of what would be the best use of my time during a gap year which I plan to take before I apply to Ph.D. programs in chemistry. During the gap year I will be studying for and taking the GRE, working on the NSF-GRFP, working on applications, etc. But I would really like to be working as well to help pay off student loans before I enter graduate school. I was originally thinking of applying for full time entry level jobs but am now considering working as a research assistant. I could either continue my research at my current institution or try a new lab elsewhere. What would help my application more? Industry experience or more research experience? Thanks!