What does it take to be #1 in your med school class?

[Dynomite]

---

Members do not see this ad.

Serious question.

I'm curious what it takes to be #1 in a med school class? Do you have to study 24/7? Is it a combination of hard work and luck? What is it? How does one become the #1 ranked student throughout 4 years?

 

[Law2Doc]

Serious question.

I'm curious what it takes to be #1 in a med school class?

an AK47 and about 200 bullets?

 

[Law2Doc]

Serious question.

I'm curious what it takes to be #1 in a med school class? Do you have to study 24/7? Is it a combination of hard work and luck? What is it? How does one become the #1 ranked student throughout 4 years?

It's not going to be something you can plan on, so don't worry about it. You do the best you can, and only compete with yourself. If that makes you top dog, super. If not, at least you'll be the best doc you can be.

 

[Dynomite]

It's not going to be something you can plan on, so don't worry about it. You do the best you can, and only compete with yourself. If that makes you top dog, super. If not, at least you'll be the best doc you can be.

Well, what are some characteristics you see in the #1 student in your class then? Does he/she study non-stop? Does he/she have a life? Are they a complete kiss-up?

 

[Law2Doc]

Well, what are some characteristics you see in the #1 student in your class then? Does he/she study non-stop? Does he/she have a life? Are they a complete kiss-up?

There will be very different characteristics in the first two years and the latter two. For the first two years the folks tend to be impressively bright to start with, with really good memories, are good test takers, and put in very long hours. Lots of recopying notes an umpteenth time etc. The latter couple of years, I've heard, are somewhat personality driven, on top of the sharpness. Calling someone who succeeds a "complete kiss up" (or suck up or brown noser, etc.) reflects an attitude you probably want to lose -- very undregrad -- it suggests a lack of maturity unbecoming of a professional. Once you are in med school, the goal is to be the best physician you can be, and if someone does it better, or finds a way to shine (even if it's not the way you would do it), you tip your hat to them and push on.

 

[Dynomite]

Calling someone who succeeds a "complete kiss up" (or suck up or brown noser, etc.) reflects an attitude you probably want to lose -- very undregrad

Get off your high horse. There are kiss-ups in every facet of life. Anybody in med school is already successful. Those who follow the professor back to his office after every lecture like puppy dogs are the kiss-ups. Comprehend?

 

[Law2Doc]

Get off your high horse. There are kiss-ups in every facet of life. Anybody in med school is already successful. Those who follow the professor back to his office after every lecture like puppy dogs are the kiss-ups. Comprehend?

Med school is a good time to try and embrace a little professionalism. 🙄

 

[Dynomite]

Med school is a good time to try and embrace a little professionalism. 🙄

Yeah, I can see that from reading the "Never going to class again...ever" thread. 🙄

 

[P Diddy]

Well, what are some characteristics you see in the #1 student in your class then? Does he/she study non-stop? Does he/she have a life? Are they a complete kiss-up?

the top student in my medical school class probably did spend more time studying than any other student. she was also aggressive during clinical rotations and honored every single 3rd year rotation. she did not have the reputation of being a kiss-up. she was married, so i can't attest much to her life outside med school, but I did see her kickboxing occasionally.

p diddy

 

[Pinner Doc]

Yeah, I can see that from reading the "Never going to class again...ever" thread. 🙄

How bout you stop denigrating people until you know what you're talking about? I realize you were just asking a question, but I thought Law2Doc's response was very appropriate.

And I skip class too... and am a better student for it 😉

In terms of "kissing up," docs are just like anyone else. They aren't dumb. They can see through that sort of thing.

 

[felipe5]

as a 2nd year, i can only comment on the first two years, and let me tell you, its damn hard to be #1. I am definitely not that person in my class, but nonetheless I do work quite hard to perform the way I do, and thus think that I can comment on this topic

As you'll see, there will be some ridiculously smart people in your class capable of some amazing things, both inside and outside of academia. There will always be people getting amazing grades on everything, so expect to have to get 97% ON UP on every exam, rock every shelf exam with at least 95th percentile, get top scores on the infamous clinical skill/ethics/doctoring type classes (which are tough to do, seeing as nobody really pays much attention to them) and you might also want to read Big Robbins once or twice. Then you might be in the running to be number one. Oh yeah, In case you already didn't realize, this will take a ridiculous amount of work, studying, memorization and time committment. Good luck.

 

[surrender903]

what you should be working at is trying to be number 27 in your class... now THERE is an acheivement to be proud of

 

[Law2Doc]

what you should be working at is trying to be number 27 in your class... now THERE is an acheivement to be proud of

Unless you are at one of those couple of schools with very small classes. Doesn't eg Mayo have like 40 people per year?

 

[Einsteinemc2]

Serious question.

I'm curious what it takes to be #1 in a med school class? Do you have to study 24/7? Is it a combination of hard work and luck? What is it? How does one become the #1 ranked student throughout 4 years?

go to harvard and you won't have to worry about it. they don't rank their students at all.

 

[nala]

the girl who is #1 in my class studies like crazy. Every waking hour of hte day. plus she remembers EVERYTHING she reads all the time. Plus she's married to someone in the class ahead of us and has access to all the study guides they used and the old exams they had access too, but our class doesn't. I'm sure it helps...but still...she studies like crazy. She's super competitive, even gets mad at her friends when they quiz each other as reviews and do better than her. Seems like madness to me!

 

[Rafa]

the girl who is #1 in my class studies like crazy. Every waking hour of hte day. plus she remembers EVERYTHING she reads all the time. Plus she's married to someone in the class ahead of us and has access to all the study guides they used and the old exams they had access too, but our class doesn't. I'm sure it helps...but still...she studies like crazy. She's super competitive, even gets mad at her friends when they quiz each other as reviews and do better than her. Seems like madness to me!

We call those people "machine gunners".

 

[SoCuteMD]

Aren't they snipers?

 

[SoCuteMD]

Oh, and I think it's time to drag out that old joke.

What do you call the guy who graduates last in his med school class?

 

[anon-y-mouse]

There will be very different characteristics in the first two years and the latter two. For the first two years the folks tend to be impressively bright to start with, with really good memories, are good test takers, and put in very long hours. Lots of recopying notes an umpteenth time etc. The latter couple of years, I've heard, are somewhat personality driven, on top of the sharpness. Calling someone who succeeds a "complete kiss up" (or suck up or brown noser, etc.) reflects an attitude you probably want to lose -- very undregrad -- it suggests a lack of maturity unbecoming of a professional. Once you are in med school, the goal is to be the best physician you can be, and if someone does it better, or finds a way to shine (even if it's not the way you would do it), you tip your hat to them and push on.

Just curious, what year of med school are you in, law2doc? are you in an MD program?

 

[Rafa]

Aren't they snipers?

Snipers are the gunners you don't see. They don't talk about being gunners, they don't talk down to non-gunners, they don't *do* anything out of the ordinary. They just excel.

 

[Jedix123]

Oh, and I think it's time to drag out that old joke.

What do you call the guy who graduates last in his med school class?

A doctor! Anyways the machine gunner is more appropriate. I can totally visualize that. I think the sniper would be someone who's not doing too hot the first two pre-clinical years but is a pro at clinical stuff and matches well.

 

[thackl]

The top 5 so far at my school are relentlously hard working, smart and also very nice. I like them. I work a lot less than them and "lag" around that 10-20 mark. What's important to you? I would personally go crazy and likely be divored with kids who hate me it I tried to compete for the top spot. I often think those in the top 5 are in their comfort zone when studying all the time..... not for me. I'm very happy to be where I'm at (esp. for the effort I've given). Soooo, you will have to decide where you'll be happy 👍

 

[dopaminophile]

I'm going to have to fall squarely with Law2Doc on this one. The nature of the question itself is pretty indicative of an immature attitude toward your medical education. Congrats on getting in... everyone realizes you're on top of the world and feeling ambitous, but don't start planning your conquer of the class just yet. Maybe try to make some friends first.

Also, class attendance is reflective of different learning styles, not professionalism.

 

[Brainsucker]

Not that I'm there, but the one word that I can think of is consistency. Like endurance racing, you need to run good laps to win. A reasonably intelligent person can ace any one class any one semester if he sets his mind to it. Doing the same in every class, every semester requires amazing consistency. These folks are either really neurotic or they're mature enough to have amazing self control. Basically, you'll need a very strong memory for the first two years and shelf exams later and good relationships with your superiors for the third and fourth years (though who's number one after 4th year doesn't really matter since you'll have matched before you graduate). On top of all that, you'll have to put in the time day in and day out. Oh, and be lucky. Something happens in your life and (going back to the car analogy) boom, you've fallen back a few laps.

 

[medhacker]

It is like the olympics


Look at what most athletes do to deserve being part of their country's selection. If you can emulate the same in the medical school academic arena you are well on your way to numero 1. Best Wishes! 👍

 

[happydays]

I think this question should be rephrased to "Describe the top kids at your school. What are they like?"

 

[coffeeluver]

The top 5 so far at my school are relentlously hard working, smart and also very nice. I like them. I work a lot less than them and "lag" around that 10-20 mark. What's important to you? I would personally go crazy and likely be divored with kids who hate me it I tried to compete for the top spot. I often think those in the top 5 are in their comfort zone when studying all the time..... not for me. I'm very happy to be where I'm at (esp. for the effort I've given). Soooo, you will have to decide where you'll be happy 👍

How does everyone know which students are at the top of their class?

 

[thackl]

How does everyone know which students are at the top of their class?

Some schools (like UTSW) give regular ranks. Here at TTU, they don't really tell us, but people do eventually talk.

 

[Bernito]

Calling someone who succeeds a "complete kiss up" (or suck up or brown noser, etc.) reflects an attitude you probably want to lose -- very undregrad -- it suggests a lack of maturity unbecoming of a professional. Once you are in med school, the goal is to be the best physician you can be, and if someone does it better, or finds a way to shine (even if it's not the way you would do it), you tip your hat to them and push on.

Im just guessing, but it sounds like you have been called a kiss-up before.

 

[deuist]

Just curious, what year of med school are you in, law2doc? are you in an MD program?

I have never seen him answer this question before. I don't think that he wants to give away too much information about himself.

 

[Chris127]

How are these rankings posted? Internet? Are there actually names next to the persons rank, or just like they last 4 digits of the SS#?

 

[thackl]

How are these rankings posted? Internet? Are there actually names next to the persons rank, or just like they last 4 digits of the SS#?

vast majority of schools are going to (or have gone to) the 'non-competitive' approach. Many don't tell until the end, many don't even do grades any more and a few never give ranks. You're unlikely to see either of the things you suggested.

 

[MeowMix]

I don't know who the top student(s) are in our class, and I don't want to know. It would not make my life any better (or theirs either).

I'm glad when my friends and I all pass our exams; I'm glad when no one in our class fails a tough course. Among my closest friends in class, we never discuss exam grades other than pass/fail. Occasionally if someone aced a miserable exam, they'll say something about it and we're happy to congratulate them.

This is a nice, healthy way to deal with med school grading, in my opinion. I do my best, and I get whatever grade I get. Thank goodness we don't have class rankings.

 

[Law2Doc]

Im just guessing, but it sounds like you have been called a kiss-up before.

Oh grow up. I'm hardly that type, but I've certainly outgrown the sentiments suggested by the OP (and apparently you). If someone has the ability to shmooze a prof, they have my congrats. I could really care less. You really need to worry about your own plate and stop looking at what everyone else has got.

 

[Dynomite]

Oh grow up. I'm hardly that type, but I've certainly outgrown the sentiments suggested by the OP (and apparently you). If someone has the ability to shmooze a prof, they have my congrats. I could really care less. You really need to worry about your own plate and stop looking at what everyone else has got.

You better start looking at your plate then, and quit making a tool of yourself in this thread. By the way which med school do you attend?

 

[dopaminophile]

You better start looking at your plate then, and quit making a tool of yourself in this thread. By the way which med school do you attend?

Make no mistake... Law2Doc isn't the person who looks like a tool in this thread. He's been around here for a long time and you'd be wise to listen to him. He's modest, knowledgable, and well spoken. I'd be proud to have him as my physician.

 

[QofQuimica]

Make no mistake... Law2Doc isn't the person who looks like a tool in this thread. He's been around here for a long time and you'd be wise to listen to him. He's modest, knowledgable, and well spoken. I'd be proud to have him as my physician.

dope! I've missed you! 😍 No one writes limericks for me anymore. 🙁 How's med school treating you?

 

[Dynomite]

Law2Doc isn't the person who looks like a tool in this thread.

He probably takes offense to this thread because he's part of the curve that rests two standard deviations below the mean.


I'll give it to him though, he's managed to turn this thread into a pissing match. Leave it to a wannabe-lawyer, wannabe-doctor.

 

[UCSBMed1]

Oh grow up. I'm hardly that type, but I've certainly outgrown the sentiments suggested by the OP (and apparently you). If someone has the ability to shmooze a prof, they have my congrats. I could really care less. You really need to worry about your own plate and stop looking at what everyone else has got.

Do you really congratulate gunners for their selfishness? I'm not saying that your opinion will change, but once you hit the wards, everything's different. My class is generally non-competitive (P/F, non-ranked) but 3rd year clerkships have made gunners out of certain people.

Now granted they were the students who we "flagged" as pretty intense during the preclinical years, but they got armed and ready once the boards were done. I've seen people kiss-up by bringing food to the team, pretend to be interested in something they CLEARLY weren't, take info given to them from another student and pass it off to the attending as if they researched it themselves, etc.

I definately agree that you should not be worried about what the "other guy" is doing, but when you have to WORK with these people on a ward team for everyday and night for a month, you start to notice, and become annoyed--especially if in the process of making themselves look good they make you either look bad or not as gung-ho as them.

3rd year is a different beast entirely, and although I try not to be worried by what the other guy is doing, it sometimes is impossible to neglect.

 

[bigfrank]

Serious question.

I'm curious what it takes to be #1 in a med school class? Do you have to study 24/7? Is it a combination of hard work and luck? What is it? How does one become the #1 ranked student throughout 4 years?

I can probably answer this question for you...

1. Hard Work
2. Hard Work
3. Brains of the genetic variety
4. Luck
5. Hard Work

There isn't any magical formula for this.

 

[dopaminophile]

Hey Q! I've missed our limerick's too. Med school is good... I'm enjoying it still. I'm looking forward to spring and the sun and some fresh air. Chicago is coooooold right now. How're you?? I think I remember you having gotten into school. Do you know where you're going yet? Anyhow... I hope all's well and you're enjoying the few months before this next endeavor.

Oh how I miss my dear Q!...
She makes us all feel so true.
Such swift phalanges
Quiet the banshees
And her lims are awesome too!

(apparently banshees were a problem before you came along!) haha

 

[Bernito]

Oh grow up. I'm hardly that type, but I've certainly outgrown the sentiments suggested by the OP (and apparently you). If someone has the ability to shmooze a prof, they have my congrats. I could really care less. You really need to worry about your own plate and stop looking at what everyone else has got.

It was an observation and apparently a correct one as I've touched a nerve.

 

[tupac_don]

Aren't they snipers?

No sniper is more someone who doesn't look like they study, or maybe don't even look particularly smart. You know you don't expect too much out of them, and then BAM, they get a 100 on the test. Now that's a sniper. A gunner is just a study hardcore and supercompetitive.

 

[tupac_don]

Serious question.

I'm curious what it takes to be #1 in a med school class? Do you have to study 24/7? Is it a combination of hard work and luck? What is it? How does one become the #1 ranked student throughout 4 years?

Think Lance Armstrong and Tiger Woods. These guys practice after winning their respective sports, when everyone is out having a good time they are out in the trenches working. Now does it really matter if you are #1 or #20. Just b/c you are #1 don't mean that you will be top of your field. But to be #1, you need luck, a lot of hardwork, some advice from upperclassmen and generally have a fighting spirit, litterally to fight for every point. Is it really worth it, maybe for bragging rights or if you really want to go to the most prestigious univ possible. Being #1 is very ridiculously hard. You basically need to be proficient at every single course and crush every single course, but remember you also have to maintain your sanity through all this. But it's a tough feat no doubt.

 

[maxnm]

I think that this thread has gotten out of context from the original question, but i will try to answer it to the best of my ability for those who really do care. I am a fouth year and I was #2 for the preclinical years and #1 for the clinical rotations. The 4th year is not ranked. I go to a school with a modified A/B/C/D/F grading system. I did not go into medical school thinking that I would be top of my class. I did not even get into medical school the first time I applied. I do remember people who went in trying to be number one and they did not turn out to be top students. I remember when I received the top grade for my first block and went in to see if it was actually correct. I think that bigfrank does have it right somewhat. Although I did work hard, I do not consider myself a gunner, someone who studies all the time, or kisses everyone's ass. The preclinical years require studying but they also require not going over the edge so that you can keep your stanima up. As mentioned before, consistency is the key. I know that it might sound cliche, but I think that the most important aspect of the clinical years is to be truly enthusiastic. I loved what I was doing and I think that it showed. There might have been a little luck, but that can only go so far. Also shelf boards do matter at my school and that is what would determine those who get honors from those who do not. So study for the shelf. Hope this helps.

 

[lingonberry]

Serious question.

I'm curious what it takes to be #1 in a med school class? Do you have to study 24/7? Is it a combination of hard work and luck? What is it? How does one become the #1 ranked student throughout 4 years?

Are you talking about grades, or about being the #1 most annoying person in your class? There are rankings for both!

 

[YouDontKnowJack]

Med school is a good time to try and embrace a little professionalism. 🙄

med school is the only time we can relive the good old days of high school.

 

[Ypo.]

med school is the only time we can relive the good old days of high school.

Yech. Thats true, unfortunately. Its more like highschool than college.

 

[Law2Doc]

I definately agree that you should not be worried about what the "other guy" is doing, but when you have to WORK with these people on a ward team for everyday and night for a month, you start to notice, and become annoyed--especially if in the process of making themselves look good they make you either look bad or not as gung-ho as them.

I think there's a pretty huge distinction in their trying to make themselves look good, versus making you look bad (i.e. a true gunner). The former I think you need to just tip your hat to, think "I wish I did that" and get past it. In my experience, the folks who are the latter (the true gunners) never end up #1 in their class anyhow, precisely because they are too focused on others and because their feigned interest is always too transparent. If someone can come across as more gung ho for a sustained period, that is something you can address within yourself without focus on them.
And none of this is unique to medicine, FYI. There will always be people you'd rather not work with in any field, and being able to is a skillset you need to cultivate. (I mean, do you really think all lawyers in a law firm have complementary, nonabrasive personalities? That doesn't even happen on Boston Legal. 🙂 ).

 

[Law2Doc]

He probably takes offense to this thread because he's part of the curve that rests two standard deviations below the mean.


I'll give it to him though, he's managed to turn this thread into a pissing match. Leave it to a wannabe-lawyer, wannabe-doctor.

Considering all the posts you've made on the pre-dental board, I wonder who the wannabe professional is here. 🙄

Seriously though, I answered your question in post #3. Save the hostility for your future classmates.