sample admission essay

Even if you studied hard, managed to obtain excellent remarks on your report card and received great recommendations from several important people, the amount of work you need to toil when entering medical school does not stop the moment you get accepted. For some, that’s merely scratching the surface: the competition, long hours of studying and, not to mention, the rigorous training that comes with the responsibility of having another person’s life in your hands. Getting into medical school is easy; it’s surviving that poses a major challenge.

Although there are some books that give great advice on how to survive medical school, fortunately, it does not take a rocket scientist to figure out how to do it. With practical tips on what you will expect upon entering a medical school and how to thrive and do well in it, you will develop the skills you need to survive medical school.

What to Expect in Medical School

As a medical student, you are required to perform related activities, including laboratory work and sitting through long lectures. Most, if not all, nights are spent studying. You should know that long hours are necessary in the study of medicine and missing or cramming during exams will not be productive. The seemingly endless amounts of information needed to be memorized are reason enough for you to dedicate yourself to reviewing and recollecting lessons. Fortunately, if you do fall behind your classes, there are several medical schools that are generous enough to offer their students with transcribed lectures.

Upon entering medical school, you should realize that it is not a place to sit back and have fun with – it will not be easy. Hence, students who have the capability to dedicate their lives to medical school, and have the diligence and persistence to maintain good grades are remarkably successful. Remember to be competitive, as the more competitive students are also likely to survive medical school.

Additionally, thorough knowledge of the basic sciences is expected during the first and second year of medical school. Although the curricula may vary depending on the institution, some of those included for freshman year are Gross Anatomy, Biochemistry, Human Embryology, Physiology and Physical Diagnosis, among others. As for the second year, Clinical Correlation, Pharmacology, Microbiology and Immunology and Advance Physical Diagnosis, among others, are covered. You need to not only be interested, but, actually, love these subjects to be able to take them both to mind and heart.

How to Do Well in Medical School

Although it is the nature of a medical school environment to be rather tense and competitive, it would not be sufficient to say that students are well acquainted with mental skirmishes. Remembering that there should be a healthy balance between competition and amity among students can help you create and live in a great learning and living environment.

Keep in mind that there is a major difference between doing your best and trying to do better than others. Although there is nothing wrong with setting and achieving a higher standard than your classmates, such feelings would only often lead to stress and anxiety, which you cannot afford to have in medical school.

Seek Assistance

Doing well in medical school not only entails a competitive and goal-centric attitude but also the understanding that there are some subjects that you might not be able to comprehend in a snap. If so, always remember to ask for help from your co-students and professors; but remember to do it with courtesy. First, determine the manner of contact, which may be indicated in the syllabus, since some professors include the methods of approach they prefer. Second, be familiar with their schedule; always check their office hours, as well as their policies. Lastly, the method of asking is also important. This is the only way from which you can learn the preferences of your professor. Remember to keep your query short and direct.

As for peer assistance, most institutions cater to study groups and even organizations that focus on the mental and emotional wellness of medical students. Seek them out. Surviving medical school is a tough job, and while retaining all that information relies solely on your determination and hard work, it would help to know that you have people like you whom you can count on for support.

Photo Credits:  Salim Fadhley