Member 282803

I worked hard, but not excessively to the point where I could not enjoy being an undergrad. I rarely studied on a Friday or Saturday unless I had a test early in the upcoming week. Probably studied an average of 1-2 hrs a day on a non-test week (engineering homework, papers, and lab reports). The most I studied on a test week was probably 3-4 hrs a day, no more than 5 days in advance of a test. I graduated with a 3.99 GPA. I studied for 2.5 months to take the MCAT for about an hour or two every day and ended up with a 36Q with a 14 on physical sciences.

Sure. Engineering classes are usually geared towards complex/critical thinking and they incorporate a broad selection of scientific principles. I feel engineers generally have better time management skills than your typical pre-meds majoring in chem or bio. Engineers have more demanding homework with long problem sets, lab reports, and papers. You have to be able to manage time effectively to get decent grades. I think it forces you to be a little more mature with your lifestyle than the average student.

Yup, but you can't expect to go out and have fun every night like other people. You also can't be as involved in certain organizations that eat up large chunks of time. I had plenty of time for professional development and volunteering, and was on an executive committee of one organization.

Expect to make a large time commitment. If you aren't strong in math and physics, your GPA will reflect it. It is very satisfying to complete the degree, but you will probably hate it several times over the years. If at any time you decide medicine isn't for you, you will have a variety of good options to fall back on without having to obtain more education. The degree is worth it.