Hello Future MDs!!!!
I like to follow this post because of my family connection to NEOMED. My son graduated, did well on this Step Exams, did a 3 year residency in IM in Chicago and a Fellowship in Endocrinology. He's now an attending Endocrinology and loves his job. My daughter just graduated, did very well on the Step exams and is starting a residency next month. NEOMED did very well at this year's match. In fact, one student matched in Cardiovascular Surgery, even though many other heart surgeons told him coming out of NEOMED will prevent him from get a match in Cardiovascular Surgery. He proved them all wrong.
As a parent, I just want to share my thoughts since I've seen two kids go through the program. First, it's not easy, but doable. A lot of self teaching and you have to become a self motivated learner (I'm sure other schools are like this). Second, if you need a mental break, take it. Meaning, take a gap year. Both of my children had friends take a gap year because they were burnt out and it saved them. One is now an attending Anesthesiologist, and this other student is graduating next year. Keep your head down, mouth closed and study. Ask for help if you need it. Always do the right thing even if it may get you in trouble. Being honest is the best policy. No attitude and no drama. The first year was an adjustment to hours of studying. The second year was prepping for Step. The third year was the Shelf exams and all the clinicals. Both children thought year 3 was hard in different way as compared to year 1 & 2. Year 4 was the lightest as compared to the others, but the students still had papers and projects to do. If you're living in the Village and there are roommate problems/drama, then plan on getting an apartment in Rootstown or Kent. You don't need additional stress.
Good luck and I wish you best. If you have any kind of anxiety, panic attacks or depression, get help ASAP. Don't wait on this. Both of my children had friends who needed counseling and meds during med school and they were able to graduate and get through it. They wanted it so bad, they found themselves self sabotaging their mental health which impacting their learning. You can do this!!! If it was easy, everyone would be doing it!