Any advice for the Class of 2015?

[Sabin]

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😛

 

[air bud]

At the beginning of the year, it is not about who is smarter. It is about who is willing to work harder. This is especially true if you are carrying over poor study habits from undergrad. Be willing to try new things, and DO NOT be afraid to ask for help.
Don't get caught up in complaining how much there is to do. It is mentally draining and unneccessary. Everybody has to do it, so shut up, put your head down and get at it. Look around and say "I am going to study harder and more than that person."
Do not pay attention to whatever upperclassmen say about how "the second biochem test was the easiest."
It is all about attitude. I walk into every test fully and honestly expecting to get 100 percent. It has a very calming effect.
Look into getting involved in research, it is completely unlike undergrad research for 95 percent of you. Clinical research is awesome, no more pipets and pcr. In the future you will either be a user of research or a creator. The sooner you get involved, the better you will be at reading and evaulating what is good and bad research. I think research is a great way to differentiate yourself, especially in the current residency environment.
One last thought (I need to get going to my LLA final), a residency is not a guarantee. I never felt like this before the shortage, and it sure as heck isn't guaranteed now. There is a game to be played. Learn how to play it. It doesn't matter what you feel like doing. It is what needs to be done.
Oh yeah, figure out how to have fun too.

 

[Shireiqiang]

Well said air bud. I would agree that it is all about work. Getting into school is one thing, but doing well is another. Definately go in with the mindset that you are going to work hard. Also, a good attitude is super important. There is so much information to be absorbed, just put your nose to the grindstone and go to work. You won't regret it. Oh, and one more thing, podiatry is seriously awesome! I've had some opportunities to get hands on in the community doing podiatry, even though I am just a student. It has been a huge motivator to study harder and learn as much as I can.

 

[347932]

Well said air bud. I would agree that it is all about work. Getting into school is one thing, but doing well is another. Definately go in with the mindset that you are going to work hard. Also, a good attitude is super important. There is so much information to be absorbed, just put your nose to the grindstone and go to work. You won't regret it. Oh, and one more thing, podiatry is seriously awesome! I've had some opportunities to get hands on in the community doing podiatry, even though I am just a student. It has been a huge motivator to study harder and learn as much as I can.

It gets and better and better folks. Keep up the good work😀!

 

[Wonder Boy]

One piece of advice that have to offer in regards to doing well in the pod program, and specifically the exams, is making sure you understand what you are studying. (I know that may sound obvious, but it is funny sometimes how that can be overlooked.) And what I mean by understand, is that you can close your eyes and see what you are studying. You can look at it and incorporate other ideas that you have learned that relate to it.

Once you can do that, it doesn't matter what questions you are asked on an exam. You'll have mastered the material.

 

[DancerPod]

Do not pay attention to whatever upperclassmen say about how "the second biochem test was the easiest."

I second this. Remember, what worked for someone else, won't necessarily work for you. This goes for what classes were "easy" and required "no studying" also. You have to do what works for you, what worked for someone else, even what worked for you in the past is of limited help. One of our guys graduated from an Ivy League undergrad with great grades. He is seriously struggling because he isn't used to putting in the work needed to do well in classes. It's rarely the concepts that stump you, it's the sheer volume of information that can drown you. Come in with an open mind, work hard, and be willing to change how you study from class to class if needed until you hit your stride.
And I also second the research. Do it early, you won't have more time later, you'll probably have less.

 

[Xforward22]

Any tips on student loans? I didn't need loans for undergrad, so all I know about it is that I have to fill out a FAFSA. Are there any tips for qualifying for more money? Did anyone make any mistakes on their FAFSAs they wish the didn't? What do I do after I fill out the FAFSA? Did anyone qualify for a Pell grant? Lots of questions but thanks! I'm worried I might screw this up.

 

[Shireiqiang]

I'm pretty sure there are no pell grants available for grad students.