Organizing Your Pre-Medical Life

Pre-medical students must manage their life as if it is a job. You are the CEO of your pre-medical career. It can be easy to forget the importance of self discipline when you are on your own. Unlike high school, you will not have anyone reminding you of your deadlines. You will constantly receive information during your student years so organization is a top priority.

A file system will allow you to organize information on a daily basis, so you will be prepared for when you really need it.

Categories of files:

• AMCAS application. Important even in your freshman year because your ultimate goal is to present yourself successfully in this application. For instance, you should know which classes are considered BCPM (Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Math) classes and which are non-BCPM classes. The BCPM G.P.A is averaged separately from the rest of your classes and heavy weight is given to this average. Some classes seem as though they are science classes but they aren't according to AMCAS. 
  
  
• Transcripts (All post-secondary schools)
  
  
• Contact information for recommendations (Maintain a record of relationship building with professors.)
  
  
• Honors/Awards
  
  
• Extracurricular activities (Possibilities and those in progress)
  
  
• Summer Opportunities
  
  
• Research Opportunities (Publications should be filed)
  
  
• Resume file (Should constantly be updated.)
  
  
• Financial Aid Information/Scholarships
  
  
• Articles related to medicine (Tell others to give you medical related articles so you can stay abreast of the changes in medical technology, policy and treatment)
  

Retrieving information is very important. Highlight any deadlines or dates on documents before filing them. 

Time Management

Time management is critical. It is very easy to waste time dawdling in your dorm or hanging out with your friends. Time management=Discipline. The ultimate mission of medical school matriculation is only realized with time management. Print a free calendar to organize your schedule.

Professional Time

• It is important to schedule daily activities by the hour. If you have the time, try to log the amount of time you spend on tasks for a week. It will give you a good estimation of your "time wasters." If medical school is a priority, then it obviously should consume at least 80% of your time. 
  
  
• Once you receive an assignment divide the work into blocks of times.
  
  
• Minimize interruptions by studying in quiet areas. Empty classrooms are a good place. 
  
  
• Important to allow time for relationship building with pre-med advisors and professors. You will easily need recommendations by your second year if you plan on applying for summer research programs or any internships. 
  
  
• If you must work, try to find a work-study job that allows you to study and work at the same time. (i.e student job on campus)
  

Personal Time

• Phone calls should be addressed at a particular time period during the day. It is not necessary to answer your phone every time someone calls. Let caller ID work for you.
  
  
• Include exercise and relaxation time in your schedule. Incorporate aerobic exercise and weight training into your regimen.
  
  
• Schedule meal preparation into your planner. To maintain energy throughout the day it is suggested to eat five small meals a day. For optimum energy and health, meals should include: no processed foods, minimal sugar, whole grain bread, brown rice, lean cuts of meat, low-fat dairy foods, high fish omega-3 fatty acids, olive oil in preparation, fruits, and leafy green vegetables. Good snack options include: roasted soybeans, steamed lentils, and fruit. Eat to live, don't live to eat.
  
  
• Delegate any tasks that are too time consuming (i.e laundry)?.even if it requires a little extra money.
  
  
• If you are invited to participate in an activity decide whether it is a relaxation task, a passion, or career enhancing.  If not, then it is not worth your time. Prioritizing your schedule can ensure acceptance into medical school.

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