Mistakes I made as a premed (so you don't have to)

I became a doctor at 23. And looking back, I did a lot of things right to get there, but I also did some things that could have derailed everything.

I'm sharing both, because the premed path has a lot of noise and not enough honest reflection from people who have actually walked it.

I get it. By the time docs reach where I am in life, it’s not really “worth their time” to advise premed students. They’re so far removed from it, after all.

That being said, mentoring and educating students has always been a passion of mine. And now that I’ve finished it all, matched into a competitive surgical specialty, and actually sat on ranking committees, I’m here to give you the birds-eye view! So take advantage of my time, learn from my mistakes, and benefit from my experiences.

Let’s get started!

What I did wrong:

Mistake 1

I didn't apply broadly enough. I knew I wanted an accelerated pathway, but I only applied to BS/MD programs in my state or nearby. I was young, after all, and I was scared to move too far from my family. But, in retrospect, that move would definitely have been worth it. I should have opened my options geographically because there were programs I didn't even consider that I would definitely have been competitive for. (Also if you’re worried about the Common App cap on schools, remember, some BS/MD programs take applications outside of the Common App, so do your research before counting yourself out!)

Mistake 2

I didn't research my undergrad school properly. I chose it based on the wrong metrics. If you’ve been following my story, you’ll know I got lucky that my school happened to have an Early Assurance Program, but I didn't even know that going in. I also didn't know that several other schools nearby had the same option. The decision I made by accident to go to my specific undergrad could have gone very differently.

Mistake 3

I chased "smart-sounding" majors at the beginning. I wanted to pick based on what seemed impressive or interesting. If you're premed, GPA and MCAT matter far more than your major title. Pick something you can actually excel in and that can allow you to “double up” on research or work experiences for your credits, to help you save time.

What I did right:

Win 1

I used every AP credit I had to skip general science weed-out courses but then replaced them with upper-level science courses to prove I could handle rigor. I took organic chemistry as a freshman and biochemistry as a sophomore to make sure I satisfied the “upper level” chemistry requirements for using AP chem (yes, organic chem and biochem count for most schools. I have an upcoming email about AP utilization for acceleration, soon).

Win 2

I built a schedule that let me complete my pre-reqs and finish medical school in three years. That required planning from day one of undergrad. Literally before I even started freshman year I made a whole plan. Of course, plans change but I had a plan and backup plans and that’s the key to acceleration (and what I teach in my Fast Track courses).

Win 3

I scheduled my MCAT for spring of sophomore year… but kept researching other pathways at the same time. That's how I found the EAP at my school. I applied even after being told I wouldn't get in. I got in. Always keep your eyes open. Don’t miss opportunities that are right in front of you.

Win 4

I didn't listen to my premed advisor. At all. (I want to be clear: I'm not recommending that for everyone.) But my advisor gave me genuinely bad advice, and I trusted my own research instead, because at the end of the day, she didn’t go to medical school and I always tell my students, take advice from those who have already achieved what you are trying to achieve.

That’s how you succeed.

-Dr. Samarrai

PS: Spots for the symposium are capped by cohort size. If you're serious about this, apply for free today. Apply to receive Fast Track Foundations for free regardless of your acceptance outcome, and that offer ends in 3 days. Don't wait!