Things I Wish I Knew Before Applying

---

Written by: Callan Donovan

Position, Member Since: General Member, Joined Fall 2024

Major & Track: Psychology, Pre-Med

Current Year:4th Year

---

The medical school journey can be intimidating, but being equipped with some insider knowledge and resources can make the ride so much smoother! My name is Callan, and as a current MD applicant, I wanted to share a few tips that might help you before diving into the application process.

Get to Know Your Professors Early

One of the less-talked-about parts of the application process is getting strong letters of recommendation, especially from natural science professors. You’ll almost certainly need at least one, likely two, so start building those relationships now! Stay after class, go to office hours, ask about their research, or just introduce yourself. It doesn’t have to feel formal or scary. The goal is for them to know you as more than a filled seat in a lecture hall. Future-you will be extremely grateful.

Give Yourself More Time for the MCAT Than You Think

UF does an amazing job preparing you with rigorous courses, but that doesn’t replace structured MCAT prep like Kaplan, UWorld, AAMC offer. The “I’ll just cram in three months and hope for the best” plan sounds efficient until you’re living it (looking at you, 2024 Callan). Spaced repetition, a realistic schedule, and starting earlier than you think you need to will save you so much stress! The MCAT is just a test (a long one, yes) but it becomes far less scary when you give yourself room to breathe.

Find Your Voice (You Will Be Writing A Lot)

The amount of writing in this process surprised me. Personal statement, activities section, and then… the secondaries. The endless, endless secondaries. The best thing you can do is find your authentic voice early. Write what feels true, honest, and human. When your writing sounds like you (not like a product of AI) the process becomes so much easier and more meaningful.

You Belong Here

Imposter syndrome is basically a pre-med rite of passage, especially for women. However, doubting your place doesn’t mean you don’t belong; it means you care! This field needs future physicians who are thoughtful, compassionate, and human. That includes you, even when constant comparison can lead you to question it.

Find Your People

Surround yourself with women who celebrate your wins, support your goals, and remind you that you’re not navigating all of this alone! uAMWA exists for a reason: community makes this journey easier and so much more joyful.