Well I'm currently in the application process. Anything you wish you did differently?
- I think it did everything the right way tbh because of SDN, applied early, checked in with the schools if I didn't hear from them in a given amount of time, updated them with new LOR ECs grades whenever possible, wrote a letter of intent when it was appropriate, sent thank-you's after interviews. The one thing I highly recommend is checking in with the school, show them your interest and don't be afraid to call/email/write a letter because many applicants stay quiet and being proactive aids you in the long run.
What has been the most challenging thing for you in your first year?
- Adjusting to the volume of material/class time. It takes time and some days I just don't feel like leaving my bed, there's a lot of ups and downs, overall I'm happy but there's been a lot of times I've been upset, frustrated, felt like giving up. It's normal to feel like you're on a roller coaster of emotions, I think sometimes we forget that.
What has your social life been like?
-social life in school is decent (lots of opportunities to spend with classmates), as far as friends and family, expect to miss out on important events for the most part like bdays, some holidays (3 day weekends) wedding, parties, etc. It's hard seeing all your Facebook friends having a blast every weekend while you're stuck studying in a library for hours on end, but like everything else in med school, you get used to it. You start to appreciate the littler things, and when you finally do have a moment to breath, you appreciate it soooo much more. Any time off I get now I cherish and it makes me happy to just be able to do absolutely nothing but enjoy myself.
What are your plans for the summer.
-Planning some trips and family time! Everyone keeps reminding us that it's out last summer ever
Also your profile is limited I can't see your post history!
- sorry! School in socal, hope thats a big enough hint.