any advice for underclassmen?

[b2007]

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what is one thing you would have done differently during your first 2 years that would have made everything easier?

 

[DeaconMD04]

what is one thing you would have done differently during your first 2 years that would have made everything easier?

Get good grades. Plan for an easier course load when you would be taking the MCAT. Get involved early so that you have a chance at leadership roles in various organizations during the later years. They like quality involvement, not just listing groups you attend meetings for. Enjoy college though. The best years of your life. I personally had a bit too much fun...find a healthy balance.

 

[PreMedAdAG]

Hi! Well first I would suggest getting involved witn groups that enjoy your similar interests, for example, if you are an adventurer, join a ski or snowboard club, or if you like to travel, study abroad. If you're a crazy chess fan, well, there you go! Focus on your studies and perfect your study habits. Use your first two years to gain a good understanding of self because you will have the next two years to develop those qualities. When interviews roll around, you'll have a great opportunity to speak about yourself in a confident and detailed way regarding your life experiences and your ability to adapt and welcome new situations.

For me, I felt like schools could see what kind of student I was based on my MCAT, grades and LORs, so they really only talked about the Interesting aspects of my application that maybe not every applicant had.

Every applicant will have decent grades, decent MCATs and decent LORs, so find something that will truly set you aside. They'd love to chit chat about your orienteering skills........ or your love of bassfishing............ or your collection of Lord of the Ring souvenirs 😉

Make yourself interesting and above all, find yourself during those first two years

 

[JDAWG07]

Really get involved in something that you have a passion for. I wouldn't get involved in anything like research for a while (sophomore yr at the earliest, preferably junior yr) unless you truly live for it. Get out there and join a club that does something that interests you - not a premed club. It's important that you get away from the premed obsessive culture when you're not studying or in class. Play IM sports. Join a fraternity if you want to. Just make sure that you have fun. I have personally done all of these things and it has enriched my college experience. Remember that this process isn't a sprint, it's a marathon. Don't become too intense or you'll burn out and become someone you didn't want to be before it's over. PM me if you have questions.

 

[BigRedPingpong]

Don't take the core premed classes for granted. Even though they are introductory classes they are honestly the thorn in every rejected applicants flesh. I have seen way, way, way too many of my classmates suffer because of brushing off these classes and having to take years off, do post-bacs, etc etc. Just do yourself a favor and start strong (GPA) and end strong. You will miss a few binge drinking parties, but who cares... you won't regret it when you are finnaly in med school.

 

[BGGA]

The one thing that I would have done differently was the leave the art of procastination to others. It is easy to fall into, even easier to perfect, but do yourself a favor early don't get caught up in it!

 

[Ross434]

It is easy to fall into, even easier to perfect, but do yourself a favor early don't get caught up in it!

Hey! I take offense to that! I've spent many long years perfecting the craft! Its not as easy as you think to become a master.