Do you have a fellow roommate, friend, or boyfriend/girlfriend in the pre-med track? Do you hear a lot of conversations about labs, volunteering, and medical school? Do you ever want to say to them, "HEY CHILL OUT!"
Well as a student in the pre-med track we do our very best to find sanity against all the chaos, but at times the word chill isn't an option to us. Here are 5 struggles all pre-med students struggle during their undergraduate career.
1. Too much studying to do!
One thing a lot of people mistake for is that PRE-MED IS NOT A MAJOR, it is a track. You have to choose a major of your desires along with doing the pre-med requirements. It sounds like a double major due to the fact that the requirements are Biology, General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Physics, Biochemistry, some math courses, and etc along with the lab components. It can be difficult to balance your school work among your major if they do not overlap one another, but positive vibes my friend.
2. Getting good grades.
When applying for medical school, the average GPA most schools are looking for is 3.70. Now that might be easy or difficult for some people. Sadly, what determines student's GPA's tests. Tests or exams can either kill or help you with your GPA. This is why pre-med students are obsessed with grades at times because not only do we care for our own sanity but also for medical school.
3.The fierce competition among students.
The competition is real among students in the pre-med track but that is life. The most important thing is to focus ONLY ON YOURSELF and not let others discourage you. There are some people in the pre-med track who may or may not intentionally brag about their grades or internships they found. To be on the pre-med track you got to have tough skin and remain with positive vibes despite the competition that is around you.
4.The MCAT
Now this, not the actual MCAT, but passing the MCAT itself is a big stressor on the shoulders. Most scores look for a 500 and above to be qualified for certain schools. However, with time, self-discipline, and patience, it can go a long way.
5. Having a social life.
Pre-med is intense and is a big commitment. It can consume your social life if you let that happen. That is why it is important to have friends who will be with you through thick and thing and say, "HEY CHILL OUT!" We all need a wake-up call once in a while.
