Are you a freshman worried about your candidacy for medical school? When you think about your GPA, MCAT score, and experiences, do you fear that they are just not cutting it compared to those of other applicants? Perhaps you look around your organic chemistry class, at students who seem to comprehend the material a lot better than you, and wonder if you will ever catch up. Since the medical school admissions process is so grueling, questions and doubts fill your mind. These are common self-doubts that all pre-meds harbor, especially freshmen. It is tough to battle with your self doubts, but the good news is there are several ways to enhance your candidacy.
1. Volunteer.
Universities really look fondly on candidates that have done volunteer work.
2. Have a life.
If you get to the interview stage of medicine, they want to know that academics are not your entire existence. Join student government, join a club, play sports, do theatre, have a job, anything. They also like things that show you can work effectively in a team.
3. Be passionate.
Medicine is not just a career. You have to want to be a medical professional for the right reasons. There is no point going into medicine just because you have the grades, want the money, or want job security.
4. Work hard.
You have to do well in your courses to get into the program. Simple as that.
5. Apply everywhere.
Keep an open mind and do not limit your options.
6. Have a back-up plan.
Not everyone is meant to go to medical school. Not everyone is meant to be a doctor. Even if you do not intend to use it, they often ask about it during the interview process of medical school.
Remember when you are struggling and your grades are not up to your standards, that there are so many people in your corner. Your tutors, professors, advisors, and other staff are not out there clapping their hands each time you do not succeed. They are not laughing every time you fall into bed at three in the morning, almost crying from exhaustion. They are not setting you up to fail; they want you to succeed. In conclusion, stop beating yourself up. Relax.
As a freshman, although it may not appear this way, you have time to enhance your candidacy for medical school: retake courses to improve your GPA, take practice tests to raise your MCAT score, gain more experience, do your applications early, and pick appropriate schools. Lastly, if you do not get in right away, do not be afraid to take a gap year. Be a stronger applicant the next year.
