Tips + Advice for Navigating Undergrad for Neurodivergent Students?

[be genius]

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Hi SDN! I’m currently finishing up my first year of premed. I have ADHD and while I’ve managed well so far, I’d like some advice on what habits you guys recommend I should try to incorporate into my routine for most success throughout the rest of my undergrad years? They don’t need to be specific to ADHD — I just like to be mentally way ahead since it takes me a bit of extra time to get used to changes in my lifestyle/study habits etc. so any advice along the lines of “if I could go back in time I would do XYZ to make _ easier” would be extremely helpful! Things like mentally preparing myself for the MCAT, applications, getting rec letters, finding research/volunteer opportunities and other things of the sort.

I'm going to be starting volunteering at a local hospital near my school this month and I've already racked up some hours volunteering at a food bank in my city. I don't want to overwhelm myself but at the same time I would like to challenge myself a bit and getting some advice in regards to time management/avoiding burnout from anyone would be insanely helpful. Thanks so much!

 

[lioneljohn]

Use a planner or digital calendar to organize your day. Stick to a consistent daily routine to help manage time effectively and reduce decision fatigue. Start familiarizing yourself with the MCAT format and content early. Also regular physical activity and adequate sleep are crucial for managing ADHD symptoms and overall well-being.

 

[be genius]

Use a planner or digital calendar to organize your day. Stick to a consistent daily routine to help manage time effectively and reduce decision fatigue. Start familiarizing yourself with the MCAT format and content early. Also regular physical activity and adequate sleep are crucial for managing ADHD symptoms and overall well-being.

Are there any planner apps you recommend? I currently use Notion to keep track of things I need to get done and have some Chrome extensions for things like Canvas but if there are any other specific apps you can recommend I'd gladly look into them. I'll also have to work on getting enough sleep and exercise for sure, I've been kind of glued to my desk this past semester 💀 And thanks for the reply!

 

[Hollow Knight]

The pomodoro technique is the only thing I've found to keep me studying effectively. I can go for 16 hours doing that because you get regular breaks that are enough to keep that feeling of "dang I hate studying" away.

If you aren't already stable on meds, therapy, etc, get that squared away before you start school.

Check your habits- I can't study with people, they distract me.