Have you been trying to wrap your mind around becoming a premed and going to medical school? I remember being in your shoes not too long ago. I was curious about every nitty-gritty detail. And if I had the chance, I would have had a ton of burning questions to ask medical students.
So, what is it really like to be a medical student? One of the best ways to get the inside scoop is to ask those already living the dream! Yep, chatting with current medical students and picking their brains about their experiences can help you be better prepared all around.
If you’re thinking, “That sounds great. But, Maggie, what exactly should I ask?” I’ve got you covered. Here are some conversation-starting ideas for questions you could ask medical students to get a clearer picture of the medical school experience.
(Bonus! I’ll give you a head start on getting answers … from yours truly! I’ve selected a few questions from this list to share with you about my own medical school journey so far.)
This post is all about questions to ask medical students.
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List of Best Questions to Ask Medical Students
The Best Questions to Ask Medical Students
So, if you’re ready to take the plunge and gather valuable insights, these questions can be a great starting point for your conversations with medical students. They’re a bit more personal than the questions you’d ask during a medical school interview.
Also, keep in mind that everyone’s journey is unique, so don’t hesitate to ask follow-up questions so you can really get a feel for what being a medical student is all about.
Personal Background and Reflections
These questions work great as icebreakers and can give you an idea of the thought process behind the decision to start down the premed path.
- How did you decide to pursue medicine?
- When did you know you wanted to go to medical school?
- What motivated you to pursue a career in medicine?
- How hard was it for you to go through the premed journey?
- Looking back to your premed years, what would you have done differently?
- Is there anything you dislike about being a medical student? If so, what?
- How do you deal with the great pressure in such a competitive field?
- What part of being a medical student do you find most challenging?
- If you could start over, would you still choose this path? Why or why not?
Advice About Deciding to Become a Premed
If you aren’t sure that you’re premed material, you may want to ask a medical school student what they think about these questions.
- What advice do you have for someone considering going to medical school?
- What attributes and characteristics do you think are a must for someone to become a doctor?
- What advice do you have for aspiring medical students in terms of preparing for the application process and interviews?
Life in Medical School
Honestly, I was most curious about what life would be like once I got into medical school. If you’re imagining all sorts of scenarios, it’s probably better to get some real-life answers.
- Is medical school fun?
- What does a typical day in life as a medical student look like?
- How many hours do you need to study on average each day?
- How do you handle the workload and manage your time effectively?
- Are there any specific study tips or resources that have been especially helpful for you in medical school?
- How do you find time for studying, other responsibilities, and downtime?
- What are some strategies for balancing school, personal life, and self-care?
- What extracurricular activities or hobbies do you make time for to maintain your well-being during medical school?
- What are your favorite and least favorite things about your school?
About Extracurriculars, Clinicals, and Other Professional Opportunities
There’s a lot to being a premed, so getting tips and insights from someone who has “been there, done that” can be so, so valuable!
- What are some extracurricular activities or opportunities you’ve been involved in that have enhanced your medical journey?
- What undergraduate jobs or experiences would you recommend to learn more about the medical field?
- Can you share any memorable moments from your clinical experiences? How have they influenced your perspective on medicine?
- Have you been involved in any research projects during medical school? If so, what was the topic, and what did you learn from the experience?
- Are there any unique leadership opportunities within the medical school that you would recommend students to pursue?
- Have you participated in any medical mission trips or volunteer experiences that have impacted your journey to becoming a doctor?
- How do you balance your academic responsibilities with your extracurricular involvement? Any tips for time management and prioritization?
- Are there any specific healthcare organizations or clubs at your medical school that have been particularly beneficial for networking and professional development?
- What advice would you give to someone looking to gain hands-on patient care experience before applying to medical school?
Memorable Experiences
These questions are a fun way to get the medical school student you’re interviewing to tell stories they might not have thought to share otherwise. You can definitely learn what it’s really like in medical school.
- Can you share a challenging experience you’ve had during your medical school journey?
- What was your most memorable experience in medical school?
- Can you share a memorable patient interaction that reaffirmed your passion for medicine?
- How do you stay motivated and resilient during tough times?
- What part of being a medical student do you find most satisfying?
Present and Future Plans
You can easily use one of these questions to wrap up your discussion. They’re super helpful for giving you perspective on the big picture of pursuing a career in medicine.
- How has your perspective on healthcare and patient care evolved since starting medical school?
- If you already know, which medical specialty do you consider pursuing? And why?
- What resources or support systems have been most helpful to you in your premed journey?
- What are your plans for the future after medical school?
You Asked, I Answered!
You’ve likely heard of the “Ask Me Anything” questions trending on Instagram. Well, here’s my “Ask Me Anything” medical school edition! Hopefully, my journey about my premed and medical school experiences can give you a better idea of what to expect.
So, real quick, for those of you not familiar with me, let me introduce myself. Hi, I’m Maggie. At the time of answering these questions, I’m in my fourth year of medical school at the University of Colorado.
How did you decide to pursue medicine?
I started college undecided and by the time I was a sophomore, I was still totally lost about what I wanted to major in. By November, I was feeling defeated between only earning Cs and stretching myself too thin between riding horses for the equestrian team and my job close to campus serving tables.
So, one night, after having enough of it all, I just started scrolling through Google trying to figure out my life. And then, bam! It hit me. I decided to major in chemistry with a premed track. That moment was like a light bulb turning on in my head. It was like finding the missing puzzle piece to my future.
When did you know you wanted to go to medical school?
The summer before my junior year, I shadowed an orthopedic surgeon. That experience was the pivotal moment that got me totally hooked on the idea of applying to medical school. After that, my senior year was a whirlwind of studying, volunteering at hospitals, and an exciting opportunity, The Atlantis Program, which involved a shadowing experience in Spain.
How hard was it for you to go through the premed journey?
After I made the big decision to pursue the premed path, I was still balancing being a waitress, clocking in around 35 hours a week, all while juggling my student workload. So, during that time, premed wasn’t easy and, of course, my grades were definitely feeling the strain. I knew if I wanted a shot at medical school, I had to make some tough choices and truly prioritize my studies.
So, I made the bold move to talk to my boss and asked to cut down my hours to 15. It was a risk, but I knew it was necessary if I wanted to improve my grades and work towards my dream of medical school. Fortunately, they agreed to reduce my hours. With more time to hit the books, I slowly but surely saw my grades climb. It was a challenge, but worth it.
Looking back to your premed years, what would you have done differently?
I made a ton of mistakes when applying to medical school. If I could do it all over again, I would definitely take my time, not rush into things, and seek out the right guidance from the start. I wish I had known that taking a gap year wouldn’t be the end of the world and that it’s okay to wait until you’re truly ready before applying.
One of the biggest things I regret is not having more faith in myself. I blamed my lower GPA for not getting in the first time, but in reality, it was all the mistakes I made along the way. I also wish I had gotten more clinical experience earlier on and practiced more mock interviews to improve my skills. (Don’t even get me started on how cringe-worthy my first interview was – LOL!)
If you are applying this or next year, my Free Premed Workshop is a must-attend to avoid all those unnecessary pitfalls I stepped into during my first application cycle.
Plus, the strategies that helped me stand out from the crowd despite my lower GPA, which earned me 10 medical school acceptances!!
Another regret was that I really should have been better about budgeting and saving money for the application process. I was so focused on the present that I didn’t think about the future costs and expenses that would come with applying to medical school. But, in hindsight, I’ve learned that it’s okay to make mistakes and have a non-linear path to your goals. Just keep pushing forward, and you’ll eventually get where you need to be.
What undergraduate jobs or experiences would you recommend to learn more about the medical field?
First, shadowing a doctor is an absolute must-do. It gives you a front-row seat to a physician’s daily life, their tasks, and the overall vibe of the medical world. Plus, it’s a great way to figure out if this field truly lights you up!
Another super crucial experience is getting involved in clinical work. Personally, I was an EMT while I was applying to medical school – it was an eye-opening and rewarding experience. It’s a fantastic way to learn hands-on skills and get real-world insights.
Oh, and don’t forget about doing some premed volunteer work, taking on leadership roles, or getting involved in a research project. These experiences will give you a well-rounded view of the medical field and help you grow in so many ways.
What does a typical day in a life as a medical student look like?
Although this can change a lot from year to year (and school to school), a typical day for me as MS2 kicked off with a cozy and productive morning routine that started at 5 AM. As soon as I woke up, I dived into my study materials for about an hour to tackle some challenging questions. Then, I was out the door to the clinic. The rest of the morning hours were all about my clinical rotations, diving into real-world experiences and patient care.
In the afternoon, I’d attend a learning seminar until about four or five. After that, I liked to get a workout in. Also, I looked forward to the evening when I can wind down with dinner, spend quality time with my husband, and maybe even work on my side business. Since I always got up early for my morning study sessions, I made sure I went to bed early enough so I could tackle the next day head-on.
Is medical school fun?
Absolutely! There are definitely some challenges, like the never-ending lectures at my school, but overall, I’ve had a blast. Club events like IV skills nights, casting parties, and suturing practice have been a highlight. Plus, the ultrasound teaching sessions in the first year were awesome. Getting to explore the heart and lungs on each other was so cool!
The second year brought even more excitement with clinical rotations. My top favorites were OB-GYN in labor, delivery, and surgery. Helping out in the OR was a real thrill, especially when I got to do more than just observe. Using the scalpel for laparoscopic surgeries and making the first incision in spine surgery was incredibly fulfilling. I can’t help but smile when I think back on those experiences!
How do you balance studying, other responsibilities, and downtime?
You might be worried that medical school will take over your life, but don’t – you can definitely have a life while pursuing your dreams! Sure, things can get hectic, especially during intense rotations like internal medicine and surgery, but that doesn’t mean you have to give up everything else. In fact, I know classmates who are getting married and even juggling newborn twins!
Once you settle into the rhythm of medical school, you’ll start to see patterns in your schedule, like when the big exams are or when you have breaks. This will give you the opportunity to plan ahead and carve out time for holidays, events, or just some well-deserved downtime. So, don’t worry – with some smart planning, you can balance your medical studies with a fulfilling personal life too!
Final Thoughts on Asking Questions to Medical Students
I hope these questions help you gain some valuable insights and inspiration as you explore the exciting world of premed and medical school. Remember, the road ahead may be challenging, but with passion, dedication, and a supportive community, you can definitely rock it as a future medical student. Good luck on your journey, and who knows – maybe one day we’ll be colleagues!
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