As I'm nearing the end of my first apartment lease, I wanted to compile a list of considerations when searching for a rental for future reference and for others who are new to renting and don't know where to begin. THINGS TO CONSIDER: Cost: Consider the monthly rent and additional fees: application fees, security deposit, … Continue reading Apartment Hunting Part 1: Choosing the Right Apartment
When Microaggressions Become Aggressions
May is Asian Pacific American Heritage Month and seeing everyone talk about the duality of being an Asian American shows me how we've all experienced variations of the same things: the inner conflict of not being quite Asian enough and not being quite American enough and the struggle to grasp for a place in between these … Continue reading When Microaggressions Become Aggressions
Personal Statement Dos and Donts
For the past few weeks, I've been editing medical school personal statements. I never considered this as a way to help future medical students, but I'm thrilled to be able to support others where I can. Polishing them so that they shine can be challenging at times, but the payoff is incredibly rewarding when people … Continue reading Personal Statement Dos and Donts
Sounds for All Study Moods
Some key ingredients for a successful study session include good music you vibe with, the right mindset, and noise cancelling headphones. I tend to loop the same song for hours, Pavloving my brain into productivity when these songs are playing. I know many people listen to movie soundtracks or classical music, but I either get … Continue reading Sounds for All Study Moods
Medical School Application Timeline
Before reading this, remember that everyone's journey to medical school is different. Don't feel pressured to apply because everyone else is doing it or because it's when you're "supposed to". Apply when you feel ready. However, once you decide to start the application cycle for that year, it's a commitment. Crafting the perfect personal statement, … Continue reading Medical School Application Timeline
A Med Student’s Wishlist
Starbucks/ Bubble tea Giftcards: A gift your student will appreciate whether it's for the 8th straight hour of studying or a little pick-me-up. Low Maintenance Plants: Houseplants help remove indoor pollutants while uplifting one's mood and boosting productivity. Air plants, succulents, devil's ivy, and snake plants are almost indestructible and provide many benefits. They're a … Continue reading A Med Student’s Wishlist
A Gap Year Guide
If you decide to take a some time off from school, the world truly is your oyster because there are so many things to do during this precious time. It's becoming more common to take time off before starting graduate or professional school and there's no shame in doing this! It allows for a pause … Continue reading A Gap Year Guide
Gap Year Reflections
If you don't want to hear my life story, scroll to the bottom for more general gap year thoughts! With my gap year and last true summer of freedom coming to a close, I've been increasingly doubtful as to whether I've made the most of my time. Have I made enough meaningful memories and done … Continue reading Gap Year Reflections
Obtaining Research and Clinical Experience
Research Experience: To find a research position, browse through departments of interest or faculty pages and read previously published papers and current projects. If you find something that catches your eye, send a short but professional email stating your major, how you'd like to get research experience, why their research interests you, and suggest meeting … Continue reading Obtaining Research and Clinical Experience
Undergraduate Extracurriculars
You go to college to get more knowledge, but it's the involvement in other things that make these years memorable and worthwhile. What are extracurriculars needed for medical school? Though it's recommended to have at least one medically related extracurricular experience, join whichever organizations interest you. Remember quality over quantity. Pick some that resonate with … Continue reading Undergraduate Extracurriculars
