Before going to medical school, there are several things you can do to prepare. That includes learning to study efficiently and doing things that matter to you. With the right steps, you can be prepared for a new chapter in your life.
Get Your Finances in Order
Going to medical school often isn’t cheap, and the difficulty of the courses often means that getting a job is out of the question. Before going to medical school, create a plan for how you will manage your expenses, including tuition and costs of living. While researching your options, you may find that it is best to take out student loans with a private lender in order to pay for your graduate medical degree. That way, you will not have to worry about money while you are getting your education. Look for scholarships to help cover the cost as well. Many times, students with high GPAs can get scholarships. However, talk to your school’s financial aid office to determine your other options, and don’t forget to check outside sources as well.
Create a Good Study System
It’s best to perfect your method of studying before school. Even if you were a good student in college, the methods you used then might not work so well in medical school. Too many students use inefficient techniques, and while they may get someone through undergrad education, the techniques won’t work when studying gets harder. Instead, think about what helped you in college and what didn’t work so well. For example, many college students wait until the last minute to cram for a test. However, in medical school, exams are often cumulative, meaning they contain questions on material a student may have already been tested on. You’ll have to really learn the material, not just remember it for one exam.
Spend Time Doing What’s Important
Remember that classes and career-building activities will take up much of your time while in school. Before starting, spend some time enjoying the things that matter to you. That might be spending time with loved ones or going on a vacation. Or you may devote more time to your hobbies since you might not have much time for them while in school. One important thing on your to-do list should include making better lifestyle choices. That might include getting more sleep, working out more, or choosing better food.
Once you are busy with classes, it might be hard to get into the habit of regularly working out or eating better. But if you get in the habit now of making better choices, you can make it through your degree program. Consider ways of incorporating good habits into your life when you’re in the middle of classes. For instance, perhaps you can listen to a lecture or other study material while going for a run. And plan ahead of time to stock your apartment’s kitchen with delicious, satisfying snacks. Create a schedule to get your work done on time so you can have enough time to sleep.
