1. You Don’t Need To Be a Science Major
Surprise! Contrary to popular belief, you do not have to be a science major to be on the premed track.
Cesar was admitted to NYU as a Neural Science major but quickly became a a Psychology major. It was only after talking to many people in the Premed community that Cesar learned premed students do not have to major in science to be on the premed track. Medical schools tend to focus on an individual’s interest in medicine and will not necessarily be preferential to students with specific majors.
He has since met many premed students who are majoring in Sociology, Social and Cultural Analysis, and even majors in the Silver School of Social Work. Rather than majoring in Biochemistry or Physics, it is more important to declare a major that suits your interests.
Another perk of declaring nonscience majors is that students can allocate more time toward their extracurricular activities. Rather than focusing solely on academics, you are able to become a well-rounded applicant. Whether it’s partaking in research, clinical, or leadership opportunities, declaring a nonscience major can be extremely beneficial for some students.
After all, taking premed courses is already academically rigorous. Being able to find balance between studying and real life experience is critical to shaping a premed student’s experience.
2. Find Community and Mentorship
Being a premed student comes with a lot of sacrifice. At times you may find yourself prioritizing your work over having fun. This is precisely why it is important to find a premed community you can rely on for academic and personal support. These are some of the peers that you will be taking classes and sharing similar experiences with.
As a first-generation Hispanic student, it was incredibly important for Cesar to find a space where he could feel supported by other students from a similar background. Luckily, he found the Gentlemen of Quality and What’s Good Doctor programs under the Academic Achievement Program. There, he met other high achieving premed students from underrepresented backgrounds. Regardless of the background you come from, it’s important to find a premed community that will enhance your entire college experience.
Check out other popular premed communities.
3. Don’t Do Everything at Once
The premed track is a marathon not a sprint. Overpacking your schedule will do you more harm than good.
So, it is important to start with a strong academic portfolio and build from there. Being too ambitious to do everything your first year could lead you to burn out. Even having one or two extracurriculars your first year is a solid start. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself—opportunities will keeping showing up!
4. Reach Out and Maintain Relationships
Many professors are adjuncts who work in major NYC hospitals or conduct research at NYU. Reaching out and meeting with them may lead you to your next internship or spark interest in a new field.
Cesar took Child and Adolescent Psychopathology with Professor Jess Shatkin under the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Studies (CAMS) department during his second year. During this class, he connected with his professor, which led to a leadership position offer in the CAMS On Campus club.
5. Weave Together Your Narrative
There is a difference between being busy and being competitive. All premed students are busy, but being competitive means you can present yourself and your story in a way that is not only compelling but also meaningful.
As a premed student at NYU, it is important to find your story and the reason behind why you want to pursue a path in medicine. On paper, you can have an abundance of experience with internships and research positions. However, if you can’t speak about how these experiences led to your medical school application, they may not get you where you want to be.
To All the Aspiring Premed Students...
Best of luck! The road is long but worth it. Always remember to be intentional with every single decision you make during your premed path. NYU’s premed community is full of helping hands eager to help out a fellow premed. If you’re curious, learn more about the premed track at NYU!
Related
The Premed Track: NYU Edition
NYU offers preprofessional tracks to equip students with the guidance and coursework needed to accomplish their professional goals.
Meet NYU Meyers
At Rory Meyers College of Nursing, students benefit from rigorous practical training—in the classroom, in the lab, and in clinical settings—combined with liberal arts exploration.
A Guide to Writing Majors at NYU
At NYU, English and creative writing aren’t the only options for aspiring writers!