New Year's resolutions are notoriously hard to realize. But there are smart tips for executing them, including making sure goals are specific and truly achievable within a reasonable time frame. That's why starting early on your medical school candidacy is important. The beginning of the year is a great time for pre-meds to redouble their efforts toward their academic and professional goals.
As always, I recommend a very focused approach that allows you to do more of what you want and less of what you don't. Think research will help your candidacy but don't like being in the lab? Consider public health or clinical investigations. Think volunteerism will bolster your application but don't like being one of a crowd in a group project? Select a setting that allows you to work independently: Several of my clients have chosen to volunteer on a crisis line – from home.There are definitely necessary elements to any robust medical school candidacy (clinical experience, strong grades, a reasonable MCAT score), but being a pre-med can also be fun, mind-broadening, and career-affirming.
Here's a piece I wrote for Student Doctor Network showcasing ten ways to improve your medical school application. The idea is to give you direction but also leeway to be a happy applicant - not just a strong one.
