Non-Traditional Med Student 101: The WAIT

Soooooo you decided you wanna go to med school. You raised your science GPA. You took the MCAT. You found and participated in a research project. You found scholarships that can potentially pay for school. And perhaps you got a Masters degree or completed a post-bac in between. Your AMCAS app is submitted and so are those secondaries…and now…you WAIT. I think that’s the hardest part for some of us scientists. Sure, we’ve participated in bench research where we’ve had to wait what seemed like ages for something to show up on a petri dish or for a Western Blot to turn out just right. Still, the wait for med school interviews and acceptances is massively different. I wanted to share what I did to make the best use of my time AND stay sane while I was in this holding pattern:

Don’t allow yourself too much idle time. As a non-traditional medical student, I was still completing a Masters program at the time I applied to med school. This program really helped me keep my eye on the prize and focus on the task at hand (getting that degree, shawty!) instead of worrying about what med school admissions committees were saying about me. I had already made it past 3 committees before and I was not going to let the current one down!

Do something completely unrelated to med school or school in general. Since I was nearing the completion of a program, it was the perfect time for some me time. I was afforded the opportunity to join Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, a lifelong dream of mine! I ensured I fully enjoyed the process and was fully present. It’s important to do things for YOU when you can especially before med school as it takes up so much of your time.

Spend time with family and friends. You may have heard this more than once. This statement can make it seem as though you’re off to jail, but…well…yea😂Your loved ones’ access to you will shift once med school begins so go ahead and soak up some quality time!

Update admissions committees about your Awesomeness. Ok. This may sound strange, but I am convinced that the only reason I got into to the school I ultimately decided to attend was because I essentially stalked the admissions office. Real talk. EVERY SINGLE TIME I had an update for my file, I emailed the Admissions Officer directly. I had no shame. I had no hesitation. I was getting into this school. I sent an update every 2 months or so: new grades from my MS program, my induction into the Honors Society at my school, any and everything that sounded…Awesome. This practice reminded me of my WORTH as I waited and guess what. It reminded the admissions committee too. I strongly recommend updates for schools you’re waiting to hear from. Nothing wrong with a gentle reminder that you’re here and ready to Doctor.

iPrayed. Anyone who believes in the power of prayer can feel me on this one. I knew it was my time and that God would bring my dreams to pass. That really did put me at ease. At the time, I was reading the book of Nehemiah in the Bible. Read his story and you’ll see why I found it comforting.

Whether you’re waiting on a med school acceptance or another piece of life-changing news, I’m rooting for You! Always remember, everything happens exactly as it should. All in due time❤️So get ready for your NEW Season!

Hey, Doc! Shop my exact white coat, scrubs top, and bottom here, here, & here! I’m wearing the XL in each. Use code: FigsxSurgeryCity for 15% off! Annnnd go ahead and shop some of my med school faves below!

p.s. This beautiful view of the Atlanta skyline can be found at Jackson Street Bridge: Jackson St NE, Atlanta, GA 30312 !

xoxo,

Anya

Photos by Tina Smith