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How can I create a good and right study schedule to get good grades and scholarship to my dream college for medical school ?
Hi, I'm a high school student; and I will be graduating next year. I always wanted to be a doctor and I still want to be ; now a surgeon. I want to follow my dreams, but I just can't find my passion. Please can you give me advices on how to know what I really have passion for, and to study schedule for medical school. Thank you
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4 answers
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Suzanne’s Answer
Hi Kadiah. Thanks for writing in with your important questions. The passions which most doctors have are for science and for helping people. Medicine is a career pathway which allows you to put those two passions together in a very meaningful and rewarding way. In addition, surgeons need to have the ability to use their eyes and hands in a very special way to operate on people. Do these sound like the passions and talents which would carry you through many years of hard work to reach your goal? If so, great! If you are not sure, you might find it helpful to take one of the career interest tests. They may offer this at your school through the guidance counselor or you can go to https://www.mynextmove.org/explore/ip
(The o*net interest profiler) which is a free online resource found by putting o*net in your search engine. It helps you clarify what your interests are and what careers you might want to consider, depending on how much education/training you are willing to take on.
It is also helpful to try to get some exposure to health care, even while in high school, to be sure this is the direction you are wanting to go. This could be as a volunteer or in a paid capacity -- many states allow 16 year olds to train as CNA's (certified nursing assistants), or as a "shadower" of a doctor or other health care professional. Check if your local community college or if Ohio State University offers any summer or school-year programs for high school students interested in medicine. If you need help doing this ask a teacher or counselor for help. Your local hospital may also have volunteer and/or shadowing programs for high schoolers. Check out their websites or call and ask for the volunteer office.
In terms of what you can be doing right now: tell your teachers and guidance counselor what your goals are. Be sure the classes you are taking are meant for those heading to college (which will be your next step in your goal of becoming a surgeon). Specifically, try for as many science and math classes as you can get, as well as the other basic requirements which colleges want (English, a second language, history, etc.). You want to try to focus on your school work so you can get good grades and good letters of recommendation. Is there a teacher or counselor who can be your "champion" and help you stay on task? If you are not getting good grades, consider asking for tutoring or after-school help. Sometimes your local library can also help with offering tutoring or a quiet place to study and really focus without distractions. Look around for what resources are available to allow you to set up 2-3 hours of dedicated study time every day as a routine. If you are not sure what you should be studying or what will be on the tests, ask your teacher to work with you to help you study the right material and be well prepared for classes and exams.
Good luck, Kadijah. Feel free to write back to let us know how you're doing and what new questions you have.
(The o*net interest profiler) which is a free online resource found by putting o*net in your search engine. It helps you clarify what your interests are and what careers you might want to consider, depending on how much education/training you are willing to take on.
It is also helpful to try to get some exposure to health care, even while in high school, to be sure this is the direction you are wanting to go. This could be as a volunteer or in a paid capacity -- many states allow 16 year olds to train as CNA's (certified nursing assistants), or as a "shadower" of a doctor or other health care professional. Check if your local community college or if Ohio State University offers any summer or school-year programs for high school students interested in medicine. If you need help doing this ask a teacher or counselor for help. Your local hospital may also have volunteer and/or shadowing programs for high schoolers. Check out their websites or call and ask for the volunteer office.
In terms of what you can be doing right now: tell your teachers and guidance counselor what your goals are. Be sure the classes you are taking are meant for those heading to college (which will be your next step in your goal of becoming a surgeon). Specifically, try for as many science and math classes as you can get, as well as the other basic requirements which colleges want (English, a second language, history, etc.). You want to try to focus on your school work so you can get good grades and good letters of recommendation. Is there a teacher or counselor who can be your "champion" and help you stay on task? If you are not getting good grades, consider asking for tutoring or after-school help. Sometimes your local library can also help with offering tutoring or a quiet place to study and really focus without distractions. Look around for what resources are available to allow you to set up 2-3 hours of dedicated study time every day as a routine. If you are not sure what you should be studying or what will be on the tests, ask your teacher to work with you to help you study the right material and be well prepared for classes and exams.
Good luck, Kadijah. Feel free to write back to let us know how you're doing and what new questions you have.
Updated
Paul’s Answer
Kadijah, the two answers before mine contain very good advice. I can add a little bit to it because as a retired orthopedic surgeon I have had the career that you seem to want. So here is what I can add. Medicine as a career in general requires a considerable amount of self discipline, and this is something that you can work on right now. Getting into medical school requires good grades in your college classes, just as getting into a good college requires good high school grades. I suggest that you set yourself a schedule. Make studying for your high school classes a high priority, and set aside the time for it on a regular basis. I suggest you consider getting some physical exercise for a set period of time after school every day, then come home, shower, and start to study. Work for a set period of time, then take a 5 minute break. Work like this until you have completely finished everything you need for the next day’s classes. If you stick to a schedule like this it doesn’t take long to make it a regular habit, and this is the most effective way I know of to get where you want to go.
Next, if you or your parents know of a doctor who could serve as a mentor you would profit by making a connection with him or her. Your family doctor might serve this function for you, or, since your live in a city with a medical school, you might contact them to see if they can connect you with an advisor.
It also makes sense to take advantage of everything your high school offers. Talk to your guidance counselor and establish the best relationship you can. Be sure to be respectful with all of your guidance contacts, because the help they can give you cannot be acquired anywhere else. This is also the time to plan for the courses you will need going forward. You want as much science and math as you can manage, including chemistry, physics, biology, calculus, etc. And you also want to talk to your parents and counselors about finding the best college for you to go to. All of this education is expensive, and some research early on will help you and your family prepare appropriately.
I hope this is some help. If you have further questions please get in touch; I’d be glad to help wherever I can.
Paul S. Treuhaft, MD, MA
Next, if you or your parents know of a doctor who could serve as a mentor you would profit by making a connection with him or her. Your family doctor might serve this function for you, or, since your live in a city with a medical school, you might contact them to see if they can connect you with an advisor.
It also makes sense to take advantage of everything your high school offers. Talk to your guidance counselor and establish the best relationship you can. Be sure to be respectful with all of your guidance contacts, because the help they can give you cannot be acquired anywhere else. This is also the time to plan for the courses you will need going forward. You want as much science and math as you can manage, including chemistry, physics, biology, calculus, etc. And you also want to talk to your parents and counselors about finding the best college for you to go to. All of this education is expensive, and some research early on will help you and your family prepare appropriately.
I hope this is some help. If you have further questions please get in touch; I’d be glad to help wherever I can.
Paul S. Treuhaft, MD, MA
Updated
Aisha’s Answer
Hi Kadijah,
It's great to hear that you have a clear goal of becoming a surgeon and that you're motivated to excel academically to achieve that goal. Finding your passion can take time and exploration, but there are several steps you can take to help identify what truly excites and motivates you:
**1. Reflect on Your Interests and Values:**
- Take some time to reflect on your interests, hobbies, and activities that bring you joy and fulfillment. Consider what subjects or topics you enjoy learning about and what activities you find yourself naturally drawn to.
- Think about your values and what matters most to you in life. Your passions are often closely aligned with your values and what you believe is important.
**2. Explore Different Opportunities:**
- Be open to trying new things and exploring different interests. Take advantage of extracurricular activities, clubs, volunteer opportunities, internships, and part-time jobs to gain exposure to a variety of experiences.
- Attend workshops, seminars, and events related to healthcare, surgery, and other fields you're interested in. Engage with professionals in those fields to learn more about their experiences and career paths.
**3. Reflect on Your Strengths and Skills:**
- Identify your strengths, talents, and skills. Consider what activities or tasks you excel at and what comes naturally to you. Your passions often align with your strengths and areas of expertise.
- Seek feedback from teachers, mentors, and peers to gain insight into your strengths and areas for development.
**4. Pay Attention to What Energizes You:**
- Pay attention to activities or tasks that energize and excite you. Notice when you feel a sense of flow and lose track of time because you're so engrossed in what you're doing. These moments can provide valuable clues about your passions.
**5. Keep an Open Mind and Stay Curious:**
- Stay open-minded and curious about the world around you. Be willing to explore new ideas, perspectives, and opportunities. Embrace the journey of self-discovery and know that it's okay if your passions evolve over time.
As for creating a study schedule for medical school preparation, here are some tips:
**1. Set Clear Goals:**
- Define your academic and career goals, including specific milestones and deadlines you want to achieve. Break down larger goals into smaller, manageable tasks.
**2. Prioritize Your Time:**
- Identify your priorities and allocate time for studying, attending classes, participating in extracurricular activities, and taking care of yourself.
- Use a planner, calendar, or digital tools to organize your schedule and track your commitments.
**3. Create a Realistic Schedule:**
- Be realistic about how much time you can dedicate to studying each day or week. Consider your other obligations and commitments and plan accordingly.
- Schedule study sessions during times when you're most alert and focused, whether it's early in the morning or late at night.
**4. Break Down Your Study Sessions:**
- Break down your study sessions into shorter, focused blocks of time. Use techniques such as the Pomodoro Technique (25 minutes of focused study followed by a 5-minute break) to maintain concentration and avoid burnout.
- Prioritize difficult or challenging subjects, but also make time for review and reinforcement of previously learned material.
**5. Take Care of Yourself:**
- Don't forget to prioritize self-care and well-being. Get enough sleep, eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and take breaks to recharge and relax.
- Find healthy ways to manage stress and anxiety, such as practicing mindfulness, deep breathing exercises, or engaging in hobbies and activities you enjoy.
**6. Seek Support and Accountability:**
- Surround yourself with a supportive network of family, friends, teachers, mentors, and peers who can offer encouragement, guidance, and accountability.
- Consider forming study groups or finding a study buddy to help stay motivated and accountable.
Remember that finding your passion and creating a successful study schedule are ongoing processes that require patience, perseverance, and self-awareness. Stay focused on your goals, but also remain flexible and adaptable as you navigate your journey toward medical school and beyond. Good luck!
It's great to hear that you have a clear goal of becoming a surgeon and that you're motivated to excel academically to achieve that goal. Finding your passion can take time and exploration, but there are several steps you can take to help identify what truly excites and motivates you:
**1. Reflect on Your Interests and Values:**
- Take some time to reflect on your interests, hobbies, and activities that bring you joy and fulfillment. Consider what subjects or topics you enjoy learning about and what activities you find yourself naturally drawn to.
- Think about your values and what matters most to you in life. Your passions are often closely aligned with your values and what you believe is important.
**2. Explore Different Opportunities:**
- Be open to trying new things and exploring different interests. Take advantage of extracurricular activities, clubs, volunteer opportunities, internships, and part-time jobs to gain exposure to a variety of experiences.
- Attend workshops, seminars, and events related to healthcare, surgery, and other fields you're interested in. Engage with professionals in those fields to learn more about their experiences and career paths.
**3. Reflect on Your Strengths and Skills:**
- Identify your strengths, talents, and skills. Consider what activities or tasks you excel at and what comes naturally to you. Your passions often align with your strengths and areas of expertise.
- Seek feedback from teachers, mentors, and peers to gain insight into your strengths and areas for development.
**4. Pay Attention to What Energizes You:**
- Pay attention to activities or tasks that energize and excite you. Notice when you feel a sense of flow and lose track of time because you're so engrossed in what you're doing. These moments can provide valuable clues about your passions.
**5. Keep an Open Mind and Stay Curious:**
- Stay open-minded and curious about the world around you. Be willing to explore new ideas, perspectives, and opportunities. Embrace the journey of self-discovery and know that it's okay if your passions evolve over time.
As for creating a study schedule for medical school preparation, here are some tips:
**1. Set Clear Goals:**
- Define your academic and career goals, including specific milestones and deadlines you want to achieve. Break down larger goals into smaller, manageable tasks.
**2. Prioritize Your Time:**
- Identify your priorities and allocate time for studying, attending classes, participating in extracurricular activities, and taking care of yourself.
- Use a planner, calendar, or digital tools to organize your schedule and track your commitments.
**3. Create a Realistic Schedule:**
- Be realistic about how much time you can dedicate to studying each day or week. Consider your other obligations and commitments and plan accordingly.
- Schedule study sessions during times when you're most alert and focused, whether it's early in the morning or late at night.
**4. Break Down Your Study Sessions:**
- Break down your study sessions into shorter, focused blocks of time. Use techniques such as the Pomodoro Technique (25 minutes of focused study followed by a 5-minute break) to maintain concentration and avoid burnout.
- Prioritize difficult or challenging subjects, but also make time for review and reinforcement of previously learned material.
**5. Take Care of Yourself:**
- Don't forget to prioritize self-care and well-being. Get enough sleep, eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and take breaks to recharge and relax.
- Find healthy ways to manage stress and anxiety, such as practicing mindfulness, deep breathing exercises, or engaging in hobbies and activities you enjoy.
**6. Seek Support and Accountability:**
- Surround yourself with a supportive network of family, friends, teachers, mentors, and peers who can offer encouragement, guidance, and accountability.
- Consider forming study groups or finding a study buddy to help stay motivated and accountable.
Remember that finding your passion and creating a successful study schedule are ongoing processes that require patience, perseverance, and self-awareness. Stay focused on your goals, but also remain flexible and adaptable as you navigate your journey toward medical school and beyond. Good luck!
Updated
Waseem’s Answer
Hi there are many medical schools . Keep on searching on internet in your free time.There are also many scholarships programs available. First make your schedule for study and learning. Never forget to take care of health. One day you will achieve your goal.