My college offered me to be valedictorian- is it worth it?

[Ben Fuzze]

My college offered me to be valedictorian, but public speaking is what my nightmares are about... But is the torture worth it? Will being valedictorian help increase chances to get into med school? Any thoughts?

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[differentiating]

I’d imagine it won’t increase your chances beyond where they are by virtue of being a valedictory candidate.

That being said, a lot of medicine/medical school involves public speaking and presenting to people. I’d recommend practicing and finding strategies to deal with the anxiety, from personal experience.

 

[Crayola227]

I think it's worth it for many reasons.

Do you really want to know for the rest of your life that you could have been a valedictorian, and weren't, because you chickened out? If you don't get into med school, do you really want to worry if you had done this, that you might have?

Not to mention, that yes, it would be good for you to try to work through this. And yes, in the course of medical school many times I had to speak in front of people, one time to at least 150 including the Dean, teaching faculty, and the whole med school class. In fact, this was true for every one of us at some point.

Suck it up and be proud.

Some people see their physician and get propranolol to deal with public speaking.

 

[getdown]

no

 

[Matthew9Thirtyfive]

It’s not going to increase your chances really since by virtue of the fact that you were asked I’m assuming your gpa is great. But it is a good chance to take on the challenge, and that could be a great answer to a challenge question in a secondary or interview.

 

[lalalallala]

When I was in HS I had to give my valedictorian speech at graduation in front of 10k people in a football stadium. I was absolutely terrified. Really - it sounds dramatic but speaking in front of that many people was one of my worst nightmares. The experience of preparing for it and overcoming that challenge though - that was a lifelong lesson and something that has helped me with the many challenging situations that have come since.

Do I think you have to give a speech for your applications? No. But do I think it is worth it personally? Absolutely

 

[dr_kateb]

Colleges have valedictorians...?

 

[Ben Fuzze]

Colleges have valedictorians...?

Lol. My college does, apparently... It’s a small, low-tier private college.

 

[Goro]

My college offered me to be valedictorian, but public speaking is what my nightmares are about... But is the torture worth it? Will being valedictorian help increase chances to get into med school? Any thoughts?

You're going to have to talk to people, lots of people in a Medical career, such as presenting Grand Rounds, so better get used to this now. Being Valedictorian is a great honor. Do your parents and teachers proud.

 

[bobbitybob]

My college offered me to be valedictorian, but public speaking is what my nightmares are about... But is the torture worth it? Will being valedictorian help increase chances to get into med school? Any thoughts?

I am absolutely terrified of public speaking; I hate the feeling of everyone looking at you. I recently had to give a 45 min CME lecture about my research to a PICU staff in a prestigious hospital. I dreaded those mins but opportunities like those are things that are gonna allow you to improve on public speaking. Practice a lot in front of people; will you dread the days coming up to the speech? YESS! But after you do it, you will be so glad that you did. Challenge yourself, you will be surprised at what you can do.

 

[Catalystik]

Will being valedictorian help increase chances to get into med school?

No.

 

[freelancePsychic]

If it makes you feel better I can guarantee no one is going to be paying close attention to your speech. By that point in a graduation ceremony everyone is counting the seconds till they can get out of the hot sun/uncomfortable seats.