1. Learn about the resources you’ll need to apply to medical school
Applying to medical school can be a tedious and challenging process with various boxes you’ll need to check along the way. Begin early by familiarizing yourself with what you’ll need to include in your application. The AAMC Students and Residents webpage offers helpful information, resources, and services for students to learn about the parts of a medical school application and the steps needed to apply. Start the new year the right way by taking advantage of free AAMC resources:
2. Learn how you can finance your medical education
Financing a medical education can be stressful, but you can arm yourself with knowledge to reduce some of that stress. First, check out the AAMC Fee Assistance Program that helps with the cost of applying to medical school. Next, read our Six Financial Tips for Premed Students card — created by our Financial Information, Resources, Services, and Tools (FIRST) service — to learn how you can prepare for the cost of applying to and attending medical school. FIRST advises medical students on money management, loan repayment strategies, and financial wellness throughout medical school and beyond.
3. Attend career/health professions fairs
Career fairs provide great opportunities to learn more about schools you may be interested in, explore different programs, and understand the admissions requirements for these schools. Visiting every school you are interested in can be time-consuming and expensive; attending virtual career fairs allows you to learn about each school all at one location! Fairs help you narrow down your list of school choices and be more cost-effective. The AAMC Virtual Medical School Fair enables aspiring applicants and premeds like you to connect with medical schools and admissions experts from around the United States and Canada through virtual chat booths, information sessions, and more for free. To learn more about the latest virtual fair and find updates about upcoming fairs, visit our website.
4. Utilize on-campus resources
Your college campus likely has resources to help you with your application to medical school. Prehealth advisors are there to support you through the application process and guide you to resources on campus. Make connections with mentors in various academic departments who can not only assist you in achieving academic success but can also offer guidance along your premed journey. If you are unable to connect with an advisor at your school, please use the National Association of Advisors for the Health Professions Find An Advisor tool.
5. Remember to prioritize your mental health
Applying to medical school can create a lot of emotions, both positive and negative. Allow yourself time and space to process how you’re feeling and give yourself credit for every step you take in this journey! Create a timeline with manageable deadlines, handle everything one step at a time, keep track of all your accomplishments, and celebrate even the small things in this process. Most importantly, make sure to take mental and physical breaks to recharge and engage in self care. Learn more about resources and strategies that current medical students have used to build and maintain well-being.
If you follow these five New Year’s resolutions, you will be prepared to successfully conquer your premed journey in 2024. Break out your planner, get organized, and stay focused!