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As many of you prepare to make a decision about where to attend college, I wanted to offer you my two cents. As someone who has gone straight through high school to college to medical school, I can still remember what it is like to make this life-changing decision. Here is some advice from a "veteran."
1. Go To An Affordable School (where you can be happy!) - I know this seems odd, but trust me on this. Your undergraduate degree, by and large, will not affect your medical school application. I went to an average state school, got good grades, and was more than prepared for the MCAT. I then interviewed and got into some great, prestigious medical schools. I followed the scholarship money for undergrad, and if feels good not having any debt from those 4 years. Perhaps more importantly, choose a campus where you can feel at home. If you aren't happy there chances are you won't succeed there.
1A. Don't Follow Your High School Sweetheart - This one may also be hard to swallow, but as an 18 year-old, you are far too young to make a life-changing decision based upon feelings you have right now. If it is meant to be, it can last through long distance. Go to the college that is right for you! Spread your wings, and don't transfer to be near a boy or girl.
2. Work Hard and Play Hard - I loved college, and I think 99% of people do too. The first semester can be tough, but if you give it a chance, you will love your undergraduate years. Take interesting classes, join random clubs, do whatever you want (within reason). Just remember that grades freshman year count towards medical school. Do well, but save plenty of time for friends and making the most of a great time in your life.
3. Use Rate-My-Professor - I love this website! It helped me pick great classes, with interesting (and more importantly fair) professors. Some teachers just don't like giving out A's and others give incredibly boring lectures. I used this resource to find the best of both worlds when possible.
4. Don't Forget About Your Family and Old Friends - In this day and age, it is way easy to send a text or keep up with someone via Facebook. These people care about you shouldn't forget about them.
5. Live in the Moment - Please don't always be planning and thinking about medical school or becoming a doctor one day. Sure it is fun to think about, and you should be prepared for it, but college is amazing and worth your full attention. Enjoy each and every day as is...don't treat college as a stepping stone for the future, treat it as a day in a finite life.
Anyways, these are just some of my thoughts. I am sure you all will make a great decision and love undergrad just as much as I did. I would be happy to answer any questions about college or medical school. Good luck!
1. Go To An Affordable School (where you can be happy!) - I know this seems odd, but trust me on this. Your undergraduate degree, by and large, will not affect your medical school application. I went to an average state school, got good grades, and was more than prepared for the MCAT. I then interviewed and got into some great, prestigious medical schools. I followed the scholarship money for undergrad, and if feels good not having any debt from those 4 years. Perhaps more importantly, choose a campus where you can feel at home. If you aren't happy there chances are you won't succeed there.
1A. Don't Follow Your High School Sweetheart - This one may also be hard to swallow, but as an 18 year-old, you are far too young to make a life-changing decision based upon feelings you have right now. If it is meant to be, it can last through long distance. Go to the college that is right for you! Spread your wings, and don't transfer to be near a boy or girl.
2. Work Hard and Play Hard - I loved college, and I think 99% of people do too. The first semester can be tough, but if you give it a chance, you will love your undergraduate years. Take interesting classes, join random clubs, do whatever you want (within reason). Just remember that grades freshman year count towards medical school. Do well, but save plenty of time for friends and making the most of a great time in your life.
3. Use Rate-My-Professor - I love this website! It helped me pick great classes, with interesting (and more importantly fair) professors. Some teachers just don't like giving out A's and others give incredibly boring lectures. I used this resource to find the best of both worlds when possible.
4. Don't Forget About Your Family and Old Friends - In this day and age, it is way easy to send a text or keep up with someone via Facebook. These people care about you shouldn't forget about them.
5. Live in the Moment - Please don't always be planning and thinking about medical school or becoming a doctor one day. Sure it is fun to think about, and you should be prepared for it, but college is amazing and worth your full attention. Enjoy each and every day as is...don't treat college as a stepping stone for the future, treat it as a day in a finite life.
Anyways, these are just some of my thoughts. I am sure you all will make a great decision and love undergrad just as much as I did. I would be happy to answer any questions about college or medical school. Good luck!
