After you have submitted your medical school applications, completed your interviews and perhaps been accepted to a medical program that meets your needs, you may think that you are done working with your undergraduate premedical adviser. After all, your adviser’s job was to assist you with your applications, right?
Although your premedical adviser’s role in your academic career may be less apparent as you finish your final semester of college, he or she can still offer you valuable advice, and you may wish to consider tapping into his or her wealth of knowledge about medical school before you graduate.
[Know what questions to ask your premed adviser.]
Here are three questions to ask your premedical adviser in your last semester of college.
1. How can I prepare for the academic transition from college to medical school? As many medical students and physicians can attest, the first weeks of medical school can be shocking due to the sheer volume of class material and the speed at which students are required to learn the information.
A topic that may have been the subject of a semester-long undergraduate course may be presented in a month, week or hour in medical school. Asking your premedical adviser for advice on navigating the leap from undergraduate education to medical school is a great way to begin preparing for your medical career.
Be sure to inquire about particular study strategies that past students have found helpful during this transition. Ask about how to organize your free time, take useful notes in class and begin preparing for exams far enough in advance that you avoid cramming. These questions can steer you toward adopting work habits that will make your first year of medical school smoother.
[Learn how to prepare for the first day of medical school.]
2. Can you recommend any resources for first-year medical students? Although your medical school professors will likely recommend textbooks and other resources for each of their respective classes, ask your premedical adviser about additional resources — either specifically for your program or in general — that could help you supplement any class materials.
But don’t stop at academic materials — ask about student organizations, nationwide societies and potential fellowship and funding opportunities that are available to medical students. Your premedical adviser may be able to help you develop a vision for the kinds of academic resources and extracurricular opportunities that will help you the most during your first year of medical school.
3. What support does the college offer recent graduates who wish to reapply to medical school? If you haven’t gained admission to medical school by your final semester in college, it is important to ask your premedical adviser what his or her ongoing support will look like. Some undergraduate institutions may support alumni through medical school application cycles.
For example, will your premedical adviser be able to schedule in-person meetings with you? Will he or she be available via email? What amount of time does your premedical adviser allot to alumni applications each week, if any? Will you be able to get an updated letter of recommendation for your new application cycle?
Be sure to understand the limits of your postgraduation premedical advising relationship and plan to fill any advising gaps that may be left once you graduate.
More from U.S. News
How Prospective Undergrads Can Choose Between Nursing, Medicine
Make the Most of Medical School ‘Second Look’
4 Ways Premed Students Can Develop Strong Leadership Experience
Ask Your Premedical Adviser These 3 Questions Before Graduation originally appeared on usnews.com
