What was the single most annoying thing you hated about being pre-med?

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UCI said:
Can you elaborate on " the more I felt I had to prove"?

Why did you feel this way? I felt the opposite, meaning I had more to show and less I felt I needed to say.
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Well, my grades tanked in college. So when I was on the up and up and building an increasing grade trend (postbacc) I still felt like there were so many imperfections in my application, that I needed to prove myself....and this often took the form of putting things in a precise context either in my applications or during the interview. "While my college grades suck, I encourage you to consider my other accomlishments..."
 
My LEAST favorite thing was when other pre-meds would introduce themselves and say "hi im XXX and I'm going to be a SURGEON" (plus that smirk...) grrr....
wipe that smirk off your face, bro. 😡
 
baconshrimps said:
Too lazy to go and read another thread.
How about an abridged version of the story?
lol
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See the below quotes. They're all about how I feel about self-proclaimed premeds and how arrogant the whole thing is. If they're premeds, then I'm a pre-****ing-Congressman for all the meaning it really has.
Mad Jack said:
As an adjunct to this conversation, am I the only one who really loathes the term "premed?" I always feel as if it's someone trying to claim some sort of status for something they have not yet accomplished. Imagine if every engineering student was running around calling themselves "pre-engineers" or the accounting majors were calling themselves "pre-CPAs." I guess at least those people would have better odds of actually becoming their "pre-whatever" dream job. When only 1 in 10 premeds even makes it to the point of application, and only one in two of those gets accepted, it really becomes a meaningless term. You're basically saying "I'm a person taking a bunch of courses for a training program that 95% of people taking my courses will never actually manage to attend." They say premed, I hear "there's a 95% chance I'm a future failure."
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BurberryDoc said:
Jeeeezusss this is harsh. Most engineers or accountants don't have to undergo an additional 4 years of school. That is where the "pre-" comes from. . I believe pre-med sometimes carries a negative connotation, but thats only if the person in question lets that connotation ring true to who they are. When I hear pre-med I hear "I'd like to go to medical school someday after college." That's really all there is too it.
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Mad Jack said:
It's just a meaningless label is my point, yet people flaunt it like it's a status symbol in undergrad. No one else refers to their major with such a sense of superiority. Anyone else states their major when asked- only premeds state their dream profession, with their degree just one stumbling block on the way to getting there.


From now on if we're playing by premed rules, I'm pre-Congressman Mad Jack. This doctor thing is so just my stepping stone.
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BurberryDoc said:
Pre-Congressman Mad Jack, I am pre-Speaker of the House, BurberryDoc. You can call me Burbs. I look forward to our paths crossing in Washington.
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Mad Jack said:
I lol'd.


But seriously Burbs, see you in Washington.
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Mad Jack said:
See the below quotes. They're all about how I feel about self-proclaimed premeds and how arrogant the whole thing is. If they're premeds, then I'm a pre-****ing-Congressman for all the meaning it really has.
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lmfao @ "when I hear pre-med, I hear 'there is a 95% chance that I am a future failure"
Mr. pre-Congressman Mad Jack, you're my new favorite person on SDN. Sorry @Oso, but @Mad Jack will make legislation that will extend the open season for bear hunting, and my family and I will be just a little bit safer.
 
baconshrimps said:
Caveat: you can't list any of the pre-reqs!

I didn't like the idea of having to volunteer over an extended period of time when everything I learned about the clinical setting (in the capacity of a volunteer) I learned in about the first two months of my time at the hospital where I volunteered.
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The thing that peeves me most about being pre-med is the guy/gal who recites his/her career ambitions and CV to all those around (many of whom have no idea about the process of getting into medical school). It's fine to an extent, but I've never felt the need to have random people heap praise on me.

(Drops voice) Then again, maybe it's because I'm the pre-med my school deserves, but not the one it needs right now.
 
TheRobin said:
The thing that peeves me most about being pre-med is the guy/gal who recites his/her career ambitions and CV to all those around (many of whom have no idea about the process of getting into medical school). It's fine to an extent, but I've never felt the need to have random people heap praise on me.
(Drops voice) Then again, maybe it's because I'm the pre-med my school deserves, but not the one it needs right now.
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My junior year I told a professor I wanted to go to University of Chicago for medical school. He laughed, because my GPA was only like a 3.5 at the time. Eventually, he became more of a mentor, and we've kept in touch through the years. I often reflect back on this, and I realize that some point between then and recently, I learned that it is best to not showboat your plans, especially in medicine, because as Congressman @Mad Jack mentioned, being pre-med means 95% chance of failing, but also it will make you look more like a failure when you create a certain expectation of yourself amongst others and are then unable to meet that expectation. At this point, I do share my ambitions with others but I make sure that I give myself some flexibility if I don't achieve those goals...."I would like to do my internal medicine residency at UCSF" versus "I'm going to do my IM residency at UCSF, and then move into their GI fellowship program for MD's that want to also do research. I'll be an attending at Hopkins Med in Baltimore one day"
 
baconshrimps said:
I will drop the MD bomb, but I'm not going to wear my ID badge at the bar. That's just stupid. Also, I know some hospitals don't want you to weat it outside of the hospital, sort of based on the sentiment that when you have your ID on you are representing the institution....and unless you are at like a conference or a meeting or something...you shouldn't be representing the institution....especially if you're at a bar getting hammered.
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People do here. Well it's sad. Hahahhahaha. But I think it is stupid.

Oso said:
A student host I stayed with told me wearing his school ID always impressed 'the ladies'. I laughed and thought he was kidding.

Then he put it on when we went to go get food 🙁
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The heo? but ya i have seen this before. I know that at our hospital, when you wear the badge and your badge has a red dot on it = you're obligated to respond to emergencies, some peeps don't know that....when you put that badge on, you are on duty, thus you're not really protected under Good Samaritan law and you don't have the privilege to walk away
 
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Laurenxxxx said:
The moment you tell someone you want to go to medical school and you get the feeling of the other person thinking "lol"
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ahhahahhaa, in my mind they are laughing their dentures out...
 
ChemNerd07 said:
Agreed. I'm not a huge boaster/bragger either. I just take the approach of trying to prove why I'll be a good doctor opposed to bragging about what I've done.
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yep, agree....just tell them, im gonna be awesome, so take me ok? ok!
 
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baconshrimps said:
"I'm Awesome" Barnabus Stinson
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barney-stinson-bro-code.jpg
 
VinceViegel said:
When I took my MCAT class, my teacher said "Everyone here is capable of scoring a 45T on the MCAT".

Really? Then why hasn't it happened even once? You're telling me that nobody has unlocked their full potential? Total BS statement.
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LOL!
Is this a pic of your teacher?
Troll-Face-psd6286861-resize-380x300.jpg

Let's just say that if hell was a place you could never leave until you got a 45T on the MCAT, it would practically be eternal.
 
VinceViegel said:
When I took my MCAT class, my teacher said "Everyone here is capable of scoring a 45T on the MCAT".

Really? Then why hasn't it happened even once? You're telling me that nobody has unlocked their full potential? Total BS statement.
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I think we had the same idiot teacher. Mine said the same thing!
 
The conversation currently taking place on the "will I get financial aid if my parents make 200k thread." That kind of goes for all of undergrad though when two or three people monopolize the lecture spewing nonsense when everyone else wants to get the assignment and go home.
 
VinceViegel said:
When I took my MCAT class, my teacher said "Everyone here is capable of scoring a 45T on the MCAT".

Really? Then why hasn't it happened even once? You're telling me that nobody has unlocked their full potential? Total BS statement.
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That's kind of a silly thing to say. It gives students unrealistic expectations and makes them think that a high score like that is just a matter of how much time you put in (which we all know is not the case).

I teach MCAT and I tell my students to aim for a 45 (aka, aim has high as you can). It's a different statement. Basically, just try to get the highest score you can. It sounds like common sense, but I started saying this because I would have many students come in and be like "my friend got in with a 30, I'm going to aim for a 30!". And I'm just like, "dude, aim as high as you can. If you end up getting a 30, then awesome, but don't limit yourself from the start". Then a lot of these students end up getting 32-34. I think the higher you aim the more you'll achieve. But I definitely don't tell people that they can all score 45 if they try hard enough.
 
Oso said:
That's kind of a silly thing to say. It gives students unrealistic expectations and makes them think that a high score like that is just a matter of how much time you put in (which we all know is not the case).

I teach MCAT and I tell my students to aim for a 45 (aka, aim has high as you can). It's a different statement. Basically, just try to get the highest score you can. It sounds like common sense, but I started saying this because I would have many students come in and be like "my friend got in with a 30, I'm going to aim for a 30!". And I'm just like, "dude, aim as high as you can. If you end up getting a 30, then awesome, but don't limit yourself from the start". Then a lot of these students end up getting 32-34. I think the higher you aim the more you'll achieve. But I definitely don't tell people that they can all score 45 if they try hard enough.
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The highest I've ever needed to shoot for is the treetops. Evidently, thats how high bears can climb ;-)
 
The thing I hated most? Probably all the conversations that went like this:

Pre-med: Are you going on that trip to Uganda over the summer?
Me: Nope.
P: Why? It will look great when you apply to med schools.
M: Because I dont have 5 grand just sitting around... and if I did, there are other things I would spend it on before going on a trip to "impress med schools".
P: So how are you going to get into med school?
M: I dont know. Get good grades. Ace the MCAT. Do some extra-curriculars I actually like...
P: *eyeroll* Well good luck with that.
 
Idk... I had a really crap experience with taking my MCAT course. The teacher was kind of arrogant and douchey.
 
LabratABQ said:
does the course help? It is expensive and that sucks 🙁
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I feel like if I took the course maybe I would have been a bit more efficient with how I studied, maybe a few points higher too. That said, I didn't pay for a course (just review books as needed) and things turned out just fine (i.e., 30 and an acceptance.)
 
baconshrimps said:
I feel like if I took the course maybe I would have been a bit more efficient with how I studied, maybe a few points higher too. That said, I didn't pay for a course (just review books as needed) and things turned out just fine (i.e., 30 and an acceptance.)
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or that you are a genius....lol:claps:
 
Spinach Dip said:
The thing I hated most? Probably all the conversations that went like this:

Pre-med: Are you going on that trip to Uganda over the summer?
Me: Nope.
P: Why? It will look great when you apply to med schools.
M: Because I dont have 5 grand just sitting around... and if I did, there are other things I would spend it on before going on a trip to "impress med schools".
P: So how are you going to get into med school?
M: I dont know. Get good grades. Ace the MCAT. Do some extra-curriculars I actually like...
P: *eyeroll* Well good luck with that.
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My friend and I ranted about this. All the rich kids that go to Africa because 'it'll look good for medical school' that's not the point! You're supposed to go because YOU want the experience. Not because it will look good. Gah!
 
ChemNerd07 said:
My friend and I ranted about this. All the rich kids that go to Africa because 'it'll look good for medical school' that's not the point! You're supposed to go because YOU want the experience. Not because it will look good. Gah!
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Yeah.

My parents are neither millionaires, nor destitute.

So while I did not have all the greatest doors open to me (dont even think of an ivy-league education!), neither can I claim I was disadvantaged.

Screwed if you do. Screwed if you don't.
 
Spinach Dip said:
Yeah.

My parents are neither millionaires, nor destitute.

So while I did not have all the greatest doors open to me (dont even think of an ivy-league education!), neither can I claim I was disadvantaged.

Screwed if you do. Screwed if you don't.
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Yeah the thing that gets me is if your parents have any savings account or assets you're screwed for FAFSA.
 
ChemNerd07 said:
My friend and I ranted about this. All the rich kids that go to Africa because 'it'll look good for medical school' that's not the point! You're supposed to go because YOU want the experience. Not because it will look good. Gah!
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This is what the medical schools will tout and say, but in actuality - there is an unspoken expectation that you will make lots of sacrifices beyond the classroom and studying. I can't really think of anything on my medical school application that I did "just for me" you know?
 
baconshrimps said:
This is what the medical schools will tout and say, but in actuality - there is an unspoken expectation that you will make lots of sacrifices beyond the classroom and studying. I can't really think of anything on my medical school application that I did "just for me" you know?
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Oh really? There's maybe a handful I didn't do just for me (and it's super obvious because I didn't last long at those tasks lol). The rest it was like oh hey opportunity! Let's try that and see where it goes. Oo externship that'll pay me a lot, let's do that!
 
Having to read a ton of chapters for biology and still have to read for other classes.
 
ChemNerd07 said:
My friend and I ranted about this. All the rich kids that go to Africa because 'it'll look good for medical school' that's not the point! You're supposed to go because YOU want the experience. Not because it will look good. Gah!
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I dont think you have to particularly go out of the country for an international mission trip. If youre financially comfortable and can afford it, then I say go for it cause only when you go out there and see how they practice medicine or how poor they are then will you have an appreciation of the medical system here in the US, only then will you bi*tch less about how it is that we have to wait for 3 months to see a doc, or how it is that insurance dont cover this, dont cover that, you'll see that, for instance, in Cambodia, this is how they diagnose diabetes, pee on the ground and see if the ants come, you are the winner...

You can even serve in the US, we have this Native American mission trips in NM where we go to a reservations and just serve. Build schools for the Navajo, teach other tribes about their rights... I think med schools look at the dedications and how badly you wanna do this.
 
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LabratABQ said:
I dont think you have to particularly go out of the country for an international mission trip. If youre financially comfortable and can afford it, then I say go for it cause only when you go out there and see how they practice medicine or how poor they are then will you have an appreciation of the medical system here in the US, only then will you bi*tch less about how it is that we have to wait for 3 months to see a doc, or how it is that insurance dont cover this, dont cover that, you'll see that, for instance, in Cambodia, this is how they diagnose diabetes, pee on the ground and see if the ants come, you are the winner...

You can even serve in the US, we have this Native American mission trip in NM where we go to a reservation and just serve. Build school for the Navajo, teach other tribes about their rights... I think med schools look at the dedications and how badly you wanna do this.
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But as a college student, how do you get your hands on smallpox for the blankets?
Just kidding 😛
 
medicalmnt said:
Everybody- "why don't you just become an engineer?"

When I tell them I'm majoring in chem to get into medical school...
-"Why don't you just major in pre-med instead of chem?"

Pre-meds around me...
-"I've only taken this class twice. Plus if I get a C+ now I'm sure my chances at top med schools will improve. Plus my GPA is on a upward trend and ill retake a bunch of my classes! Ill get into a school like GWU easy." (GPA being under 3.0)

My #1 is GWU so it's a huge face palm for me.
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Oh gosh, I know these premeds. This one girl transferred to my college at Univ of TN in chattanooga. It's a pretty small state school so getting into any med school is a big deal, and she is all "I am going to John Hopkins to be a neurosurgeon" and then she further tells me "I have a C in gen chem right now and I don't think ill have any time to shadow or volunteer, but I'm sure ill get in" lol. Worst part is she talks about being a doctor everyday. I always kept my dreams to myself and focused on getting there. She cray. I know too many of these type premeds
 
LabratABQ said:
I dont think you have to particularly go out of the country for an international mission trip. If youre financially comfortable and can afford it, then I say go for it cause only when you go out there and see how they practice medicine or how poor they are then will you have an appreciation of the medical system here in the US, only then will you bi*tch less about how it is that we have to wait for 3 months to see a doc, or how it is that insurance dont cover this, dont cover that, you'll see that, for instance, in Cambodia, this is how they diagnose diabetes, pee on the ground and see if the ants come, you are the winner...

You can even serve in the US, we have this Native American mission trips in NM where we go to a reservations and just serve. Build schools for the Navajo, teach other tribes about their rights... I think med schools look at the dedications and how badly you wanna do this.
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I totally agree. One of my best friends went to Africa to serve because she wanted to see how different it was an wanted to help out. She barely tells anyone she went because she did it for herself. Not for anyone else. Where as I know girls in my class that go just because 'it will look good' then put selfies of themselves all over Facebook so that if adcoms google her it's her Facebook page (ok night not be true but it sure as hell seems like it).
 
Blizzard18 said:
Oh gosh, I know these premeds. This one girl transferred to my college at Univ of TN in chattanooga. It's a pretty small state school so getting into any med school is a big deal, and she is all "I am going to John Hopkins to be a neurosurgeon" and then she further tells me "I have a C in gen chem right now and I don't think ill have any time to shadow or volunteer, but I'm sure ill get in" lol. Worst part is she talks about being a doctor everyday. I always kept my dreams to myself and focused on getting there. She cray. I know too many of these type premeds
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I hate these people. The ones that boast and boast and have nothing going for them.

I try to keep my personal academics to myself...meaning grades, future plans, etc b/c so many pre-meds are so damn pretentious. As if being "pre-med" is an accomplishment in itself hahaha
 
Mavs88 said:
I hate these people. The ones that boast and boast and have nothing going for them.

I try to keep my personal academics to myself...meaning grades, future plans, etc b/c so many pre-meds are so damn pretentious. As if being "pre-med" is an accomplishment in itself hahaha
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I had a somewhat intelligible comment to add, but I forgot what it was halfway through writing my response, so I'm posting this instead:

toucan_photo.gif
 
Mavs88 said:
I hate these people. The ones that boast and boast and have nothing going for them.
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OOOH YES. I know several people with below 3.0 GPA, no ECs whatsoever (unless partying counts as an EC?), but go around telling everyone and their mother that they are pre-med and hope for a "wow you must be soooOOooOOOO smart!!!".

And some of my favorite pre-meds are the ones who, when asked why they want to get into medicine say, "it's good money" . It's rare that someone is actually that idiotic to say such a thing but I have heard it and it always brings a smile to my face.

So perhaps there isn't really anything I hate about being a pre-med student. I love being challenged and haven't run into any problems yet that made me questions my career choice. It's OTHER pre-medical students that get to me.
 
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Although I'm only a freshman the competition is insane. The lengths to which people will go is absolutely disgusting. I had a friend who's suitemate turned her alarm clock off so she could miss the Orgo Final... like seriously?
 
Laurenxxxx said:
And some of my favorite pre-meds are the ones who, when asked why they want to get into medicine say, "it's good money" . It's rare that someone is actually that idiotic to say such a thing but I have heard it and it always brings a smile to my face.
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I'm okay with these people, because at least they're being honest.

They definitely beat out all those who say "I want to be a pediatric cardiologist because I love babies! Maybe it pays well, but the money is NOTHING to me".
 
Spinach Dip said:
I'm okay with these people, because at least they're being honest.

They definitely beat out all those who say "I want to be a pediatric cardiologist because I love babies! Maybe it pays well, but the money is NOTHING to me".
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Interestingly enough, my passion is in a lucrative area of medicine, but only recently (compared to how long I have held this interest) have I learned that it is a lucrative (and thus competitive) specialty. Double edge sword I guess.
 
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