3 answers
Yeishabeth
Student
1
Question
Asked
282 views
What is one thing you wished you had done before applying for medical school?
I am a premed freshman and have many questions about my future in the field. I hope to gain some guidance from those who have already walked the road. Are there any regrets or missed opportunities you wish you had known about?
Login to comment
3 answers
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
1376
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hi Yeishabeth,
I love this question because it shows you’re thinking ahead instead of just reacting to the process. If I were to sum it up, there is one thing that many individuals wish they had done sooner: instead of merely "checking boxes," be more intentional about getting meaningful, real-world clinical exposure and reflecting on it.
A lot of premed students focus heavily on grades, exams, and stacking activities because they’ve heard those are required. And yes, academics matter. But what often gets overlooked is why medical schools value clinical experience in the first place. They’re not just asking, “Have you been in a hospital?” They’re asking, “Do you truly understand what it means to care for people, and have you tested whether this path fits you?”
Students who wait until later years to get hands-on exposure sometimes realize too late that they either don’t enjoy the day-to-day realities of medicine, or they struggle to clearly articulate their motivation in applications and interviews. So the high-impact move is to start early with consistent, people-centered experiences. That could be volunteering in hospitals or clinics, shadowing physicians, working as a medical assistant, or supporting community health initiatives. The exact role matters less than the depth of your engagement.
But here’s the part that really makes the difference: reflection. After each experience, ask yourself:
- What did I observe about patient care?
- What challenged me or made me uncomfortable?
- What moments felt meaningful, and why?
This is how you build not just experience, but insight. And insight is what separates strong applicants from average ones.
Another thing many wish they had done sooner is building genuine relationships with mentors, not just for recommendation letters, but for guidance. Having a physician, professor, or advisor who knows you well can help you navigate decisions, avoid common pitfalls, and stay grounded when the process feels overwhelming. It’s also worth mentioning that balance matters more than people admit. Burnout can start early in premed if you treat it like a race. The students who sustain momentum are the ones who build systems, good study habits, time management, and space for rest, rather than relying on constant pressure.
Right now, if I were to make all of this into a straightforward plan for you, it would be this: don’t rush to do everything, focus on doing the right things with depth. Get exposure, build relationships, reflect on your experiences, and stay curious about the field.
You don’t need to have all the answers as a freshman. What matters is that you’re actively exploring, learning, and refining your direction. That’s how you build not just a strong application, but a strong foundation for the career itself.
Best wishes!
I love this question because it shows you’re thinking ahead instead of just reacting to the process. If I were to sum it up, there is one thing that many individuals wish they had done sooner: instead of merely "checking boxes," be more intentional about getting meaningful, real-world clinical exposure and reflecting on it.
A lot of premed students focus heavily on grades, exams, and stacking activities because they’ve heard those are required. And yes, academics matter. But what often gets overlooked is why medical schools value clinical experience in the first place. They’re not just asking, “Have you been in a hospital?” They’re asking, “Do you truly understand what it means to care for people, and have you tested whether this path fits you?”
Students who wait until later years to get hands-on exposure sometimes realize too late that they either don’t enjoy the day-to-day realities of medicine, or they struggle to clearly articulate their motivation in applications and interviews. So the high-impact move is to start early with consistent, people-centered experiences. That could be volunteering in hospitals or clinics, shadowing physicians, working as a medical assistant, or supporting community health initiatives. The exact role matters less than the depth of your engagement.
But here’s the part that really makes the difference: reflection. After each experience, ask yourself:
- What did I observe about patient care?
- What challenged me or made me uncomfortable?
- What moments felt meaningful, and why?
This is how you build not just experience, but insight. And insight is what separates strong applicants from average ones.
Another thing many wish they had done sooner is building genuine relationships with mentors, not just for recommendation letters, but for guidance. Having a physician, professor, or advisor who knows you well can help you navigate decisions, avoid common pitfalls, and stay grounded when the process feels overwhelming. It’s also worth mentioning that balance matters more than people admit. Burnout can start early in premed if you treat it like a race. The students who sustain momentum are the ones who build systems, good study habits, time management, and space for rest, rather than relying on constant pressure.
Right now, if I were to make all of this into a straightforward plan for you, it would be this: don’t rush to do everything, focus on doing the right things with depth. Get exposure, build relationships, reflect on your experiences, and stay curious about the field.
You don’t need to have all the answers as a freshman. What matters is that you’re actively exploring, learning, and refining your direction. That’s how you build not just a strong application, but a strong foundation for the career itself.
Best wishes!
Rita Chuang
Physician
305
Answers
Henderson, Nevada
Updated
Rita’s Answer
I thought medical school was extremely difficult. There was a week that I cried every day.
There was no such thing when I was pre-med but I would have worked as a medical scribe. Currently, it is probably being replaced by AI but even if you work for free, it is worth it. You will learn the language of medicine. You are actually in the room with the doctor so you see what they do daily...it's not what you expect. You can ask doctors questions (if s/he is open to this). You see how doctors deal with "difficult" patients. After doing this job, medical school should be easier and this will be extremely helpful during 3rd/4th year when you do your rotations. I challenge everyone to do this if you are interested in medicine. I also challenge you to start this job when the doctor comes in (not when your work schedule starts) and leave when the doctor leaves. This is true medicine. It is not a 9-5 job. You often work several hours before and after work. You work on weekends. You answer questions. After doing this, you may not want to pursue medicine. If you want to be in a competitive field, this will help you learn the material.
There was no such thing when I was pre-med but I would have worked as a medical scribe. Currently, it is probably being replaced by AI but even if you work for free, it is worth it. You will learn the language of medicine. You are actually in the room with the doctor so you see what they do daily...it's not what you expect. You can ask doctors questions (if s/he is open to this). You see how doctors deal with "difficult" patients. After doing this job, medical school should be easier and this will be extremely helpful during 3rd/4th year when you do your rotations. I challenge everyone to do this if you are interested in medicine. I also challenge you to start this job when the doctor comes in (not when your work schedule starts) and leave when the doctor leaves. This is true medicine. It is not a 9-5 job. You often work several hours before and after work. You work on weekends. You answer questions. After doing this, you may not want to pursue medicine. If you want to be in a competitive field, this will help you learn the material.
James Hanson
Pediatric Intensive Care Physician; Consultant
257
Answers
Oakland, California
Updated
James’s Answer
I am very grateful that I did not just focus on my pre-medical studies when in college. I was in singing groups, two plays, intramural sports... I had a really fun time in college, and built many life-long friendships as well. I was also very lucky to have been able to shadow my oldest brother, who was a small town general practice physician. Watching his work solidified my interest in becoming a physician myself.
So, my answer to your question is what do I regret and feel I missed out on, and the answer is nothing, for the reasons stated above.
So, my answer to your question is what do I regret and feel I missed out on, and the answer is nothing, for the reasons stated above.