I wish someone would have told me that in the beginning of my premed journey. Luckily, I have many people who are looking out for me and making sure I’m prepared. Recently, I had to make a tough choice. Given the new year, I needed to know what my plans were and if I would still be applying this year. Well, I decided I will not be applying for the 2018-2019 cycle. I’m delaying my pre-med path another year…
First, let me start off by saying, I DID NOT WANT TO DO THIS, but eventually, the following reasons led me to change my path. Since this will be my first time taking the MCAT, I don’t want to rush into it. I want to focus on grad school and improving my study skills. That not only means performing better on tests, but it also means going to bed at a reasonable time, balancing breaks and my study schedule, and learning to make a study schedule and stick with it. I also want to make time for my family, because they are everything to me. Additionally, I want to complete a masters program over the summer. The program I am currently in has an option to continue at another university and earn a masters in physiology. I have enjoyed my physiology class and would love to take the time to complete the physio program. Since the classes are intense, I will not have the time to study for my MCAT and take it in time to apply this upcoming cycle. In the end, this was not an easy decision since I practically assumed I was going to apply this cycle. However, I know that this is the best route for me and my journey to medicine. I know with this route, I will have a greater chance of getting accepted into medical school. It is better to be sure about where you are going than to realize you’ve been following the wrong path later on. Rushing into the MCAT will only end with a poor or mediocre score, which will not be helpful for my non-traditional application.
One of my wise supplemental faculty members (which is pretty much a fancier version of a TA) quoted, “He who chases two hares, gets neither.” He explained you can’t do you too many things at the same time, because you could end up accomplishing nothing at all. As someone who has been through the entire process and been accepted to medical school recently (CONGRATS!), he has learned to be patient and let things happen when they happen. I, on the other hand, am learning to be patient and finding ways to pass the time. It’s hard to see others move on with their lives (getting married, having children, going to med school, etc.), while I am still trying to figure out mine. I feel like I am so far from the end goal, but I know I will make it there one day. That’s all that matters. BUT IT IS SO HARD TO BE PATIENT.
Sometimes you have to adjust as life goes by, and that’s okay. Because life is unpredictable. If someone has figured out how to predict their life, please give me a call. As far as I know, it’s impossible to know how life will evolve. Life will bring unexpected situations, and you have to improvise. You are not alone though. You have parents, friends, pre-health advisors that are helpful most of the time (…yeah), and awesome people like my mentor, Dr. Kirby, and the supplemental faculty of my program (again, fancier, cooler versions of TAs) to help you maneuver around the pre-med life.
So, pre-med students, take advice from me and know that this will be a long, difficult road. However, you are built for it, and as you travel this road, you become stronger and stronger. From college to residency, we have quite an adventure ahead of us, but hey, if it were easy, everyone would do it. (Sorry. I hate that quote, too. But it’s true). Ultimately, we will get to our destination no matter how many roadblocks or detours we have to take.
Thanks for visiting my blog! Be sure to check out my other posts. There is more to come soon! Until then be kind and remember tomorrow depends on what you do today. Hope you enjoyed reading! — Taylor ❤
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