Expert advice from Aaron Kirkpatrick
Contrary to what you believe, your life is not over once medical school starts. You will still have plenty of free time, actually more than you expect. First of all, take advantage of orientation week. Talk to everyone because everyone will fall into their groups of friends after a month or so, it is inevitable. You will be spending the next four years with all of them and they will all at some point be your colleagues. Go out every night during the first week because you have no reason not to. There is no school so get to know your classmates outside of the classroom before everyone starts freaking out about nothing. Stay in touch with your friends outside of school. Your friends may start calling less because you will be busy some times, but make the effort to keep the friends you already have. They will be key when you want to get away from everything school related. Figure out a study method that works best for YOU. It may take the entire first quarter for you to realize the best method for you to learn but find a way that suits you. This means you may have to change your study habits from undergrad and not wait until the night before a test to learn your organic chemistry. Seriously though, it helps to do a little studying every night so that you will not feel overwhelmed come test time. However, some students do not open a book until a few weeks before a test and do just fine. Experiment with different methods and do not let other people’s methods freak you out. You know how you learn best so trust yourself. Regardless, everyone crams during test week but if you put in some time beforehand, you may not pull out all of you hair. Lastly, just enjoy your first year. Go out at least once a week. There is a lot of work but studying every night of the week will drive you insane. Study with people at school then go grab drinks at Hawkeyes. Learn to play the eraser game on the ninth floor and studying will be a lot more fun. There will be stressful times but in between test weeks have fun. You are here for a reason and you will get through this year.