When I first decided to pursue medicine, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. If I could go back in time and give my younger self some advice, there are so many things I would say—things that would have saved me stress, time, and unnecessary setbacks. So, if you’re just starting out on this journey as a non-traditional premed, here’s what I wish I had known from the start.
1. Be Prepared for a LOT of Standardized Tests
I always knew the MCAT was a big deal, but I didn’t fully grasp how many exams I’d need to take before even stepping foot in medical school. Between the SAT/ACT, college exams, the MCAT, and later on the USMLE/COMLEX (if you’re pursuing an MD or DO), standardized testing never really ends. If you struggle with test-taking, it’s worth learning good study habits early.
2. You Don’t Have to Major in Biology
For the longest time, I thought that majoring in biology was the only way to get into medical school. If I had known differently, I would have chosen psychology instead—something I was genuinely passionate about. The truth is, medical schools don’t care what you major in as long as you complete the required prerequisites. So if there’s another subject you love, don’t be afraid to pursue it!
3. Go to Class, Pay Attention, and Actually Learn the Material
In undergrad, it was easy to treat each class as a separate, isolated subject—just something to pass so I could move on. But what I didn’t realize is that a lot of the material from those classes comes back later. Concepts from general chemistry, biology, and even physics don’t just disappear after the final exam. They show up again on the MCAT, in medical school, and beyond. So, go to class, pay attention, and actually try to learn the material—it’ll make your life so much easier later.
4. Start Gaining Clinical and Volunteer Experience ASAP
If I could give one major piece of advice to non-traditional premeds, it would be this: The moment you realize you want to go into medicine, start gaining experience. Clinical and volunteer hours are crucial for your application, and the earlier you start, the better. Shadow doctors, volunteer at hospitals, work as a medical scribe—just get involved in the medical field as soon as you can. It not only strengthens your application but also confirms whether medicine is truly the right path for you.
5. Track All Your Experiences from Day One
Medical school applications require you to list out all of your experiences, from clinical work to volunteering, leadership, and research. I wish I had started tracking everything from undergrad instead of trying to remember it all later. My best recommendation? Use a tool like Mappd to log your experiences as you go. Keeping detailed records of what you did, when you did it, and what you learned will make the application process so much smoother.
6. Go to Office Hours—You’ll Thank Yourself Later
I used to think office hours were only for students who were struggling in class. But in reality, they’re a chance to build relationships with your professors—something that’s crucial when you need letters of recommendation for medical school. If I could go back, I would make it a point to attend office hours regularly, even when I didn’t need help with the material.
7. Join Extracurricular Activities That You Actually Enjoy
Don’t just join clubs or activities that you think will look good on your medical school application. Yes, extracurriculars matter, but it’s far more beneficial to pursue things that genuinely interest you. Whether it’s sports, arts, or community service, being engaged in activities that you enjoy will make your experience more fulfilling and will allow you to develop skills that you’ll carry with you throughout your career.
8. Take Electives That Will Benefit You in Medical School
Looking back, I wish I had chosen more electives that would have directly benefited me in medical school, like anatomy or medical ethics. These types of courses give you a head start on some of the content you’ll encounter later, and they’re also interesting and engaging. Don’t be afraid to take electives that align with your future goals—they’ll make your transition to medical school smoother.
The premed path is challenging, but knowing these things early on would have made my journey a lot easier. If you’re just starting out, take this advice seriously. Plan ahead, gain experience early, and don’t be afraid to ask for help along the way.
What’s something you wish you knew before starting your premed journey? Let me know in the comments!
