How do you unwind, relax, and be human?

[chen an zu]

Dear SD,

I'm an undergraduate student who is aiming for a GPA of 3.7 in biology from a reasonable university. I have one year of experience working in Neurology as a nurse. I come from a family of siblings in which my two sisters have graduate school degrees from Harvard and my brother is a DO; I am the youngest. I am planning to attend an MD school and believe that I will be a competitive applicant in 2012 when I graduate, study, and take the MCAT.

As an undergraduate student who avoids parties, does not play video-games, does not drink, and does not do drugs, I have plenty of free time. I'm sure many of the people on this forum are in a similar situation.

I spend my free time at school studying the ExamKrackers MCAT material, doing logical game puzzles found in LSAT review material, reading books that talk about scientific topics, building computer systems, and dreaming about being accepted to medical school. I've recently become a fan of a website called symphony of science that creates auto-tuned Carl Sagan electronic music. I often times study Buddhism, Mandarin, and east Asian culture. In between it all, I breeze through and take notes on just about every audio-course within reach (The Modern Scholar, The Teaching School, etc).

I can safely say that I've never been a drug user. That I only drink a beer with a holiday dinner. That I've dumped my girlfriend of 3 years so as to allow me more time to perform independent studies. I'm proud of all of this.

I've gotten a 4.0 for the last three semesters, and I expect this trend to continue. The only reason I expect a 3.7 upon graduation is because I had a poorly performing first semester. The trend is upward, not static.

What do people who believe they will be well positioned for medical school on this forum generally do in their free time?

or....

Should I be doing, instead, things in my free time that I will get credit for upon applying to medical school because you believe my application will not be sufficient with what you know in the above post?

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[DoctorJDO]

lame...

 

[tabascosauce]

lol!!!!!!

 

[Lifeman]

Please, please, let this be a joke topic.

 

[texahn]

The Proud Highway - Hunter S Thompson

 

[Emerica]

Don't you dare feed it!

 

[MCAT guy]

Go Panda, it's your birthday.

 

[Frazier]

I've gotten a 4.0 for the last three semesters, and I expect this trend to continue. The only reason I expect a 3.7 upon graduation is because I had a poorly performing first semester. The trend is upward, not static.

What do people who believe they will be well positioned for medical school on this forum generally do in their free time?

or....

Should I be doing, instead, things in my free time that I will get credit for upon applying to medical school because you believe my application will not be sufficient with what you know in the above post?

1) You have had a 4.0 for the past 3 semesters - you should hope for it to be "static" as there is no possible continual upward trend from your 4.0

2) Observing your entire life - so easily characterized by a couple paragraphs - I have three friends to introduce to you that will potentially breathe life back into your existence.

Meet: RedTube, P0rnHub, and YouP0rn.

I am sure you will become best of friends.

 

[rafflecopter]

Dear SD,
As an undergraduate student who avoids parties,

No social life. Check.

does not play video-games, does not drink, and does not do drugs

No vices. Check.

That I've dumped my girlfriend of 3 years so as to allow me more time to perform independent studies.

No love life. Check.

I'm proud of all of this.

A delusion that your actions aren't the least bit concerning. Check.

What do people who believe they will be well positioned for medical school on this forum generally do in their free time?

Whatever makes them happy.

Should I be doing, instead, things in my free time that I will get credit for upon applying to medical school because you believe my application will not be sufficient with what you know in the above post?

I think you're doing fine. Your self-imposed seclusion away from any human contact and your almost obsessive need to become a doctor is in no way alarming.

 

[luke587]

If you do get into medical school, i hope your never my physician. Yes you studied hard and did well in school, but you will have no people skills or life experiences, more than likely you will be a robot. Seriously dude get a life enjoy college, you don't have to have a 4.0 to get into medical school, its not good to study 78 straight hours without a break. Enjoy yourself once in a while or else you will burn out

 

[addo]

Are you trying to outdo your siblings? I think you may be well on your way to, because I really hope they have a bit more of a life than what you described.

 

[Morzh]

You're application isn't too bad, but one thing you seem to be missing is a pattern of daily involvement in the SDN community. I mean, come on, you've only got one post! For an example of an outstanding contributor to these forums, look up the user "Once" and read all the post she has ever written. If you try and emulate her in every way possible, I think you will have a solid chance given your current application status.

However, there are some members here that are full of terrible advice and should be avoided at all costs. The best example I can think of is this lady who goes by "LizzyM". I would go ahead and use your account dashboard to ignore her right now because following any of the 'wisdom' she gives would totally destroy whatever good you have going so far.

 

[IlDestriero]

Here's what you can look forward to, and what I do to relax a couple nights a week. In moderation, of course. You can't savor the flavors when you're drunk. If you're 21, go to a quality liquor store and ask for a good quality blend, a light Speysider and a heavy Islay smoke/peat monster. Welcome to your new hobby. You should be able to get 3 good bottles for about $100. As you discover what you like, start buying. The beauty of whisky is that it is, generally, stable after opening for a couple years, so you can keep a large and actively changing collection.

 

[Intuitive]

You're application isn't too bad, but one thing you seem to be missing is a pattern of daily involvement in the SDN community. I mean, come on, you've only got one post! For an example of an outstanding contributor to these forums, look up the user "Once" and read all the post she has ever written. If you try and emulate her in every way possible, I think you will have a solid chance given your current application status.

However, there are some members here that are full of terrible advice and should be avoided at all costs. The best example I can think of is this lady who goes by "LizzyM". I would go ahead and use your account dashboard to ignore her right now because following any of the 'wisdom' she gives would totally destroy whatever good you have going so far.

I am in no way trying to attack your post, but do really mean to say a lack of a social life is an indicator of becoming a bad physician?

 

[BeachBlondie]

1) You have had a 4.0 for the past 3 semesters - you should hope for it to be "static" as there is no possible continual upward trend from your 4.0

2) Observing your entire life - so easily characterized by a couple paragraphs - I have three friends to introduce to you that will potentially breathe life back into your existence.

Meet: RedTube, P0rnHub, and YouP0rn.

I am sure you will become best of friends.

HA! Redtube...

*high five*

 

[PremedGunner]

s

 

[PremedGunner]

d

 

[Frazier]

No way, I have it included in the three amigos listed...

 

[VikingLegacy]

baleeted

 

[chen an zu]

I find your obsessive need to become a doctor in no way alarming.

I believe being a doctor requires enough of your life that absolute dedication is necessary. In all honesty, I have a lot of anxiety that I am not a good enough student to be a doctor.

Regarding people skills, I have them. As mentioned in the original post, I did work as a nurse. I'm very comfortable with patients and their families.

Recommendations of porn and whiskey, lol

Funny. I generally have a lowered sex drive, though. Having a girlfriend around all of the time was problematic because I could never get any reading done.

As for whiskey, it functions as a GABA inhibitor and I don't want my intellectual capabilities hindered by a beverage. I'd rather be able to remember the content of my studies. I know you diplomatically included the word 'moderation' -- but, even in moderation, alcohol makes studying difficult for me. I just can't drink and study at the same time.

I hope you're never my physician!

... sorry? I have life experiences. I climb mountains, mountain bike, cycle, and do other things. I've had an ongoing serious relationship for some years (though I ended it for reasons of personal advancement). I intend to get married and have children when my working life is set
in motion...

I know I don't have a bank of bad habits or illegitimate children but I hardly consider such things to be what it takes to be human or to have people skills.

Are you trying to outdo your siblings? I think you may be well on your way to, because I really hope they have a bit more of a life than what you described.

I'm doing this with my life because i view it as the only way to keep my mind stimulated. I don't view reading and studying as work -- but rather, fun. It is more of a hobby than a daunting task.

You're application isn't too bad, but one thing you seem to be missing is a pattern of daily involvement in the SDN community. I mean, come on, you've only got one post! For an example of an outstanding contributor to these forums, look up the user "Once" and read all the post she has ever written. If you try and emulate her in every way possible, I think you will have a solid chance given your current application status.

However, there are some members here that are full of terrible advice and should be avoided at all costs. The best example I can think of is this lady who goes by "LizzyM". I would go ahead and use your account dashboard to ignore her right now because following any of the 'wisdom' she gives would totally destroy whatever good you have going so far.

I'm sure there is some humor in this post of yours, Morzh. I'm going to read the posts by such people so as to decrypt your message.

Go panda, its your birthday.

LOL.

I'm serious. Please don't troll my thread.

 

[Parts Unknown]

What do people who believe they will be well positioned for medical school on this forum generally do in their free time?

I used to drink until I threw up. In fact, that's my plan for this weekend.

 

[eablackwell]

I was born human. I tried to be a bird once, but it only resulted in shattered dreams.

 

[circulus vitios]

Porn, videogames, trolling people on the internet, drinking.

 

[VikingLegacy]

baleeted

 

[orthomyxo]

 

[rhesuspieces]

As for whiskey, it functions as a GABA inhibitor and I don't want my intellectual capabilities hindered by a beverage. I'd rather be able to remember the content of my studies. I know you diplomatically included the word 'moderation' -- but, even in moderation, alcohol makes studying difficult for me. I just can't drink and study at the same time.

You don't know until you try!

No but seriously, I think you might be confused about the point of alcohol. You use it when you are not studying. When you study all week and have everything committed to memory, you put aside the books and start knocking back the tequila shots.

Basically, saying that alcohol makes studying difficult for you is like saying that being on a waterslide makes it difficult to tie your necktie. I'm not arguing that it's not incredibly difficult to put on a proper tie when you're on a waterslide, I'm just asking why the hell you've chosen that particular point in time to attempt a Windsor knot.

 

[Overmjnd]

According to a recent study done in Japan (n=2000), moderate alcohol consumption is associated with increased IQ.

http://www.medindia.net/news/view_news_main.asp?x=682

So, what's your excuse not to drink now?

 

[Mithril]

I was born human. I tried to be a bird once, but it only resulted in shattered dreams.

And shattered bones I'm assuming.

 

[MichaelC]

I sometimes drink whiskey while studying.

 

[docelh]

Sounds like unwinding and relaxing would be steps #1 and 2.

 

[DoctaFuture]

OP people will troll you. I am not sure if I can even call it that. Go live life and college. You seem like are trolling to me. You don't sound fun, loose, and you sound like you act very smart. Just relax. You're gonna need this as this will come up in your interviews, applications, etc. I"m pretty angry at even responding at this and I'm never like this when people troll or post lame/weird stuff.

 

[PremedGunner]

x

 

[FlowRate]

Here's what you can look forward to, and what I do to relax a couple nights a week. In moderation, of course. You can't savor the flavors when you're drunk. If you're 21, go to a quality liquor store and ask for a good quality blend, a light Speysider and a heavy Islay smoke/peat monster. Welcome to your new hobby. You should be able to get 3 good bottles for about $100. As you discover what you like, start buying. The beauty of whisky is that it is, generally, stable after opening for a couple years, so you can keep a large and actively changing collection.

I love whiskey. Let's be friends, if only so I can steal your beautiful collection

You don't know until you try!

No but seriously, I think you might be confused about the point of alcohol. You use it when you are not studying. When you study all week and have everything committed to memory, you put aside the books and start knocking back the tequila shots.

Basically, saying that alcohol makes studying difficult for you is like saying that being on a waterslide makes it difficult to tie your necktie. I'm not arguing that it's not incredibly difficult to put on a proper tie when you're on a waterslide, I'm just asking why the hell you've chosen that particular point in time to attempt a Windsor knot.

Funniest thing I've read on SDN.

I sometimes drink whiskey while studying.

 

[UC pre med]

you sound like someone who is painful to be around.

Gonna have to agree with this one.

Hopefully this post is a joke.

 

[texahn]

http://i628.photobucket.com/albums/uu9/IlDestriero/d7ee16f6.jpg[/IMG]

Hey Mcallan 18, 30 - that's really expensive.. so is that midleton and the yamazaki

 

[chen an zu]

Gonna have to agree with this one.

Hopefully this post is a joke.

you sound like someone who is painful to be around.

OP people will troll you. I am not sure if I can even call it that. Go live life and college. You seem like are trolling to me. You don't sound fun, loose, and you sound like you act very smart. Just relax. You're gonna need this as this will come up in your interviews, applications, etc. I"m pretty angry at even responding at this and I'm never like this when people troll or post lame/weird stuff.

It seems like callous disregard for others is to be expected from the internet at all times; even on a forum for doctors to be.

I see the humor in all of this and I understand the deeper meanings behind it -- mainly that I come off as a no-life automaton on here -- but that is not the case among my peers, coworkers, and classmates. I wasn't looking for a critique of my psychology or personality based on a few paragraphs -- I was trying to initiate a discussion on hobbies outside of studying because, frankly, I think I need some (though porn and alcohol won't suffice!).

 

[juliedi]

It seems like callous disregard for others is to be expected from the internet at all times; even on a forum for doctors to be..

Yep, unfortunately this is true.

As to other hobbies, try baking or cooking! This has been my newest obsession.

 

[FrkyBgStok]

You said that you got rid of your girlfriend for personal advancement. When you couple that with your other statements you sound like an incredible tool. You need to force yourself to play some video games or drink because you're life is truly lacking. And you are you doing this stuff already than you clearly lied to us to look cool. Either way, pretty foolish.

 

[texahn]

alcohol isnt cool on its own. drinking alcohol is not a hobby, but being with people you like while drinking is a really cool thing

 

[BeastfromthEast]

play starcraft 2! its fun.

 

[DoctaFuture]

OP just relax, go out with friends, enjoy college. I'm not trying to bag on you on purpose and I don't think others want to intentionally, but this question/thread is a loaded gun. I can tell by the way you are responding, you don't speak in slang or relax when typing. I'm not proper in terms of syntax, diction, etc. on the forums b/c you don't need to be. I can see you are the opposite. Take up more hobbies, interests, get involved w/ interest groups, hang out with friends. We can't really help, it's more like you have to help yourself.

For example: Guy can't get w/ girls bc he doesn't go out to meet them. Then goes on forums or talks to friends about not having the ability to get girls? Why? B/c he doesn't try. You're the one who can help yourself in the best possible ways. Go ahead and do it.

We don't know in essence who you are and therefore can't really tell you what activities you partake it. All we know is you don't like to party, play video games, dumped a girlfriend, etc. You seem to restricting yourself a lot. Reading is great, I love it. Doesn't mean I need to do it quite often. Go outside, spend time w/ friends and not alone.

Anyone else have comments?

 

[eablackwell]

And shattered bones I'm assuming.

Of course, but I was trying to keep it G-rated. This person is obviously stressed. The last thing he needs is nightmares.

 

[jrou111]

I was trying to initiate a discussion on hobbies outside of studying because, frankly, I think I need some (though porn and alcohol won't suffice!).

Based on your first post, it seems to us like you're looking to try hobbies ultimately to have on your app. Maybe that's not your intention, but that how it appears. If you are just looking to show adcoms that you are more than just someone who'd dump their girlfriend to study more, they'll probably see right through you.

If you are in the latter, you're going about it all wrong. It doesn't take asking strangers on an internet forum. Just watch some tv, find something you see that looks interesting, and go do it.

My hobbies (machining, welding, woodworking, target shooting, archery) aren't just things that I do to put on my app. They are ways in which my personality and thought processes are best suited.

Welcome to SDN.

 

[the duck]

alcohol isnt cool on its own. drinking alcohol is not a hobby, but being with people you like while drinking is a really cool thing

I beg to differ. Alcohol alone is very cool. I get drunk alone in my room about once a week.

 

[runawayclock]

I beg to differ. Alcohol alone is very cool. I get drunk alone in my room about once a week.

You're never alone when you drink with Jesus.


I relax by traveling to africa and saving orphan hemophiliac babies from being thrown out of windows, researching the cure for cancer and gayness, and preventing angry supervillains from feeding babies to hungry mutated puppies. You know, the usual Pre-med stuff.

 

[the duck]

You're never alone when you drink with Jesus.


I relax by traveling to africa and saving orphan hemophiliac babies from being thrown out of windows, researching the cure for cancer and gayness, and preventing angry supervillains from feeding babies to hungry mutated puppies. You know, the usual Pre-med stuff.

Sadly, I don't believe in God, and I'm jewish, so definitely not with Jesus, (don't take this the wrong way). Its just me and my good ol' bottle.

 

[VikingLegacy]

baleeted

 

[runawayclock]

Sadly, I don't believe in God, and I'm jewish, so definitely not with Jesus, (don't take this the wrong way). Its just me and my good ol' bottle.

You don't drink with Jesús? You got somethin' against Mexicans?

 

[ILikeDrugs]

Surf, climb, hike, swim, life weights, kayak, gaming, and sex. I still need to buy myself an isolation tank. Still need an extra $5k to spend. It'll be well worth it.

 

[MCATism]

I think that this post was serious. I know this because everyone in the Bio-Med program at my school is like this, and it's the reason that I chose to study abroad. Keeners were driving me crazy, and I was starting to forget what life is all about.

Chen an zu, here's my advice:

Take time out of your week for other kinds of "personal advancement". Studying 100000000 hours a week isn't going to help you if you have no other parts of your personality cultivated. Get back with your girlfriend. Have enriching friendships. You don't need to spend 5 nights a week at a frat house, but do things for yourself. My GPA went up when I started including more non-academic activities in my life. I personally enjoy thai cooking, mountain climbing, music (going to concerts, and playing in a jam band), and varsity sports. I also go to the pub weekly with my friends, even during exam time. Why? Because I like it. It makes my life more fulfilling and real. Adcomms want people who are real, not robots. And that's a great thing, because i think that it's the only way to convince people like you to get out there and live your life.

My challenge for you: take 5 hours every week and do something completely non-academic. Go drinking, play squash, whatever. You'll be glad you did.