“Medical school admissions committees are well aware of the challenges that come with being in the medical profession. They look for applicants who demonstrate a mature understanding of what being a doctor is about – those who have had realistic exposure to the field and recognize the many privileges that come with the title, but also know the limits and hardships involved in being a physician.” USNews.com explains. The Herald reached out to Michelle Ogedegee, ‘27, to discuss her experiences as a Computer Science major at Meredith and her perspective on managing the potential stress associated with her pre-med studies. MedEdits indicates that the average acceptance rate into medical school is 5.5%, and TestPrepInsight notes that the average MCAT score tends to be around 510-511. Given these statistics, The Herald hoped to gain more insight into the pre-med track and what that entails.
When confronted with an academic challenge, specifically “studying for psychology tests,” Michelle has found a study routine which works best for her by creating flashcards and dedicating time to study “a day or two before and the other days I work or hang out with friends.” Ogedegee discussed how she focuses on test and quiz preparation a few days before the assessments and completing assignments a day or two before they are due, which she indicated creates space for personal life and extracurricular activities. Michigan Tech explains that medical schools enjoy seeing some extracurricular activities, giving examples such as violin or reading on the resume to name a few.
Ogedegee shared that her pre-med journey has been “relatively smooth” so far, with stress levels being manageable. Michigan Tech provides some tips of what medical schools look for in students; medical experience, research experience and volunteering are all described as steps to obtain an acceptance as admissions “want to know that you've spent time getting to know what your future job would be like.”
Ogedegee has a year of clinical experience, which she described as fulfilling. Notably, the experience of being able to conduct tests independently instilled a sense of belonging and competence, along with some general medical knowledge. When asked about how her understanding of the medical profession has evolved, she explained that she has learned about how people who aren't traditional doctors, PAs, or nurses “still play a significant role in patient health care.” TheBestSchools.org explains that “With so many healthcare careers to choose from, you can find an exciting medical field job for any level of education, desired salary range, or professional interest,” and that “Many healthcare jobs are growing much faster than the national average, and employer demand is high.”
USNews emphasizes the importance of having a support system and a mentor throughout the track. Grimmett, the reporter, explains that these support systems and mentors “can help premed students excel academically and develop critical thinking skills.” Looking ahead, Ogedegee envisions a role as an “orthopedic surgeon or anesthesiologist” and is actively pursuing clinical internships as a step toward achieving this goal.
The respondent emphasized the challenging nature of the pre-medical path and encouraged others to be their own biggest motivator. Ogedegee’s reflections illustrate a positive and proactive approach to managing stress and overcoming challenges.With that said, Ogedegee’s experience is simply one example, and the pre-med track may vary based on the individual.
By Miriya Carson, Contributing Writer
Graphic by Shae-Lynn Henderson, EIC