I got accepted into the Thomas Jefferson P4 program this cycle and will be starting this Fall. I'm so excited, but I am extremely nervous. I was wondering if anyone currently in the program or those that graduated have advice on how to be successful? I have been out of school for almost 7 years now and I am worried. I was also hoping to connect with other P4 students that will be attending this fall.
I really enjoyed the program.
Overall, it’s well-structured, supportive, and designed to help students succeed academically while preparing for medical school applications. Dr. Byrne and Dr. Heine are definitely its strongest assets—they genuinely want students to succeed and give motherly auntie and grandmother vibes at times lol, which was nice. The workload was manageable; I usually had about two to three classes a day, one being a lab...I believe
(1) For exams, I’d recommend reviewing the textbook the lectures are based on. For example, if they’re teaching from a specific edition, using that textbook and even looking at test banks can REALLY help guide your studying. Also, make sure to connect with 1 year track students come 2nd semester (you’ll share this semester with them)—they often have helpful study tips and materials since there on the more "rigorous" track.
(2) One of the more challenging courses is Bellani’s organic chemistry. Don’t be afraid to reassess after the first exam—some students choose to withdraw and take it at a community college to protect their GPA. At the end of the day, we're all here to maintain/earn a strong GPA for MD/DO applications.
(3) My cohort was very collaborative and genuinely kind, and that seems consistent across classes. You’ll meet a wide range of people with variety of cultural religious backgrounds which i really appreciated, from recent grads to more experienced (older) students aka working career adults.
(4) Quizzes and exams are administered through ExamSoft, which you’ll download onto your computer. Quizzes are typically taken on your own device, while exams are done in a more formal, proctored setting.
(5) There’s also time to get involved in clubs, work, or other extracurriculars, so take advantage of Jefferson’s club fair—even if you only attend one or two interest meetings. Participating in 1 or 2 community outreach or group activities is worth it, especially for your AMCAS application. More importantly, make sure you can reflect on those experiences meaningfully: What impact did you have? What impact did it have on you? ...why should the admissions committee care?
For example, here’s how one of my experiences translated into a meaningful reflection:
Experience: Behavioral Technician
[Story]: Amidst scattered toys, a curly-haired boy assembled a track, shrieking with delight as the blocks swayed. Jaylin lined his trains along the mat's edge, his clenched jaw releasing soft, rhythmic hums. As the track inched closer, frustration flickered across his face, intensifying his vocalizations. Motioning my finger to the track, Jaylin’s stimming subsided. Hesitant, he fiddled with his Thomas train car before finally placing it on the block.
[Takeaway]: By identifying the triggers of Jaylin’s anxiety, I was able to implement strategies that improved his comfort. Watching his gradual engagement reinforced that progress is often incremental and non-linear, and that small victories matter.
(6) Lastly, don’t hesitate to be open with Dr. Byrne if you’re facing financial challenges that are affecting your studies—she may be able to help connect you with grants or scholarships.
