Top Considerations Before Applying to Med School

Growing up, you might have envisioned yourself being a doctor or a surgeon. But now that it’s time to get serious about these ideas, it’s worth considering if medical school is right for you. In this article, we explore some top considerations before you apply to med school to help set your sights on practical goals.

What Is Your Purpose?

By defining your purpose before applying to med school, you can gain clear insight into where to place your goals. This single piece of information will drive most of what you do to achieve these goals.

Many people pursue medical careers with the intent to save a life and make a difference, or they have a history of generational experiences that set their sights. Whatever your purpose, consider crafting a mission statement so that when the going gets tough, you have something valuable to reference.

Do You Have the Finances?

Evaluate your finances. This is critical in ensuring you can afford your credit hours, housing, books, equipment, and basic living expenses. Paying for school isn’t enough if you can’t afford to eat or commute.

Ensure you secure enough financial security to do it all because your ability to work full time will be low, and your focus will be explicitly on your education ventures. Many students pursue part-time jobs to make ends meet, but it’s worth saving beforehand to allow yourself more freedom and flexibility when you’re not in lectures or clinical.

Are You Equipped Physically?

Regardless of your scope of practice, there are a series of physical tools and devices that are vital to your success while in medical school. Things like a reflex hammer, stethoscope, and PPE are all necessary items to consider buying before you begin the journey.

Invest in the items from the brands you like, and don’t worry about the investment value. You’ll put these objects to good use for several years, so it’s worth considering the quality when making your purchases.

Can You Commit?

The commitment needed to apply yourself thoroughly will require you to dig deep and maintain a high level of discipline. Ask yourself before applying to med school if you have it in you to commit fully, no questions asked, to whatever the workload or stress load may be.

You will encounter many struggles along the way that will test your ability to remain committed. Reference that handy mission statement you created with your purpose to recenter yourself and keep yourself going. Consider if you have the commitment needed in all areas—mental, emotional, and physical—so that you can account for all areas of your life before diving in.

At various points in your educational journey, you will need to evaluate your long-term goals and consider making a career choice. Going to medical school is a viable option with long-term financial security, but it’s not for everyone. Hopefully, these points help shape your decision so that you can choose something most suitable to your needs.

Image Credits: Top Considerations Before Applying to Med School FILE #: 76146888