Summers are such pivotal moments in a pre-med student’s career. Being torn between enjoying the weather or making these times off as productive as possible is a struggle we all deal with. But most of the time, we try to incorporate at least one productive aspect into our summers, whether it be participating in a research lab or volunteering at your local hospital. However, with COVID-19 making such an impact in our lives, it has led to internships being rescinded, job offerings revoked, and many in-person volunteer or research opportunities canceled. This may leave you with no plans for the summer, which can be nerve-racking. I am here to tell you that even if you were left with no plans, there are many ways to make this upcoming summer productive.
Take Online Classes
Taking classes online may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but if you’re okay with them, they can be beneficial to take during the summer. In general, classes taken over the summer are shorter, and depending on your professors they can be even easier than those in the fall. Taking classes during the summer can also allow you to get ahead, making future semesters easier or guarantee you an early graduation!
Volunteer Online
Personally, this is my favorite! Volunteering can truly make a difference in someone’s life, even if it is online. Use your spare time during the summer to sign up for virtual volunteering positions such as becoming a text line volunteer or tutoring children. This way you can gain non-clinical volunteer hours, gain experience, and make a difference in others’ lives. If you want to know more about virtual volunteering opportunities, please make sure to check out my other blog post titled “Volunteering During COVID-19”.
Study for MCAT
It is never too early to start studying for the MCAT. If you’re an incoming freshman, maybe don’t give up your last summer before college, but instead, review any biology or chemistry notes you may have from high school. For everyone else, start studying! Whether it’s reviewing and rewriting notes from last semester, going on Khan Academy, taking practice tests, or buying a set of MCAT prep books, I encourage you to start. You’ll thank yourself in the long-run.
Take a Much Deserved Break
Pre-Med culture is built around the notion of non-stop productivity and always grinding. However, we usually don’t stop and give ourselves the credit we deserve. Taking the summertime to relax, unwind, strengthen relationships, and take care of yourself is just as important as getting that 4.0 GPA and 520+ MCAT score. This pandemic has affected us all one way or another, and taking the summer off can be the perfect way to heal.
Make a Timeline
Timelines are truly my best friend. They are an excellent tool to plan out what your next few semesters will look like. Use a timeline to add courses you’d like to take, any specific requirements medical schools may ask for, volunteering and research activities, and most importantly add deadlines! Making a detailed timeline can help you visualize the rest of your pre-med years and help you make decisions in the future.
I hope you guys find this post useful and are able to make the most of your summer during these times! If you guys have any other advice you feel would be beneficial make sure you leave a comment below or reach out to me via Instagram @premedahead or e-mail premedahead@gmail.com. Thanks for reading!
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