Did you relocate? How was making new friends in the first few weeks? Any tips for us shyer folks?
I did relocate. Because I am married I probably didn't have as much anxiety about friends--but I know that is not typical. We had a long orientation with tons of parties/socializing and I think that worked pretty well. I met my best friends during that time, but continue to develop relationships as I get to work with people in groups (clinical skills, problem set groups, anatomy lab groups etc.) I think most people would agree that cliques develop rather quickly- but I honestly feel like everyone is friendly when we work together. If you are shy I would just suggest making the effort to put yourself out there. As simple as it sounds, essentially everyone is in the mood to make friends when school starts- so just putting in the effort to engage is usually enough to get something going!
If there was anything you could have done to make your pre-med life less stressful (especially when application time comes), what would it be?
You know, I found undergrad to be a lot of fun, and the work itself didn't stress me very much, but you are correct in assuming that application time is a bit uneasy. First of all, you may have the best cycle ever- there are people that apply, get their interviews quickly, and get that first acceptance on October 15th. That was not me, ha. I didn't get my first acceptance until after the first of the year, and I was starting to feel frustrated. I don't think there is too much you can do except really make an effort not to obsess, and still soak up and enjoy the end of your undergrad. Patience is genuinely a virtue, and although it doesn't come easy for some of us,
if you don't find any it is going to be a loooooong cycle.
My situation sounds very similar to yours regarding the non trad status. I have also worked full time for 6 years before deciding to start my undergrad in my mid 20's, I agree with everything you said about it teaching you hard work ethic and also showing you a glimpse of what you don't want to resort back to, but my MAIN question is did your non trad and work experience come up during your application / interview process? Thanks for all the info!
Ummmmmmm....generally it did, yes. The way that my work experience--particularly the nature of it--was interpreted may be hard to project onto other's situations because of how it fit into my own personal narrative. But, I was mostly under the impression that my differences from the traditional applicant were points of uniqueness that added flavor to my application, and could certainly be seen in a positive light. Anything to stand out and be memorable can help- whether in essays or talking points in interviews.
Considering how people find Medical school to be grueling, do you see it as the most efficient method of teaching students, or do you feel that the education system could be improved? Do you see it as a necessary evil?
Medical school is the fun/easy part. That sentiment has been confirmed to me many times. I don't personally find anything wrong with it being grueling, I really feel like I am earning this degree and the right to perform this role in society. And, let's be honest, anyone that thinks the idea of medical school is too much is definitely not going to like what happens after medical school.
All that being said, many schools--including mine--have either greatly changed or are going to greatly change their curriculum in the near future, per dynamic LCME standards. That doesn't mean less intensive, though.
