Notion, Excel, or Paper? Organizing Your Pre-Health Chaos
Let’s be real: Pre-health life is a tornado of deadlines, lab reports, MCAT prep, and the constant hum of “Am I doing enough?” I’ve tried every organizational method under the sun; color-coded calendars, apps that promise “life-changing productivity,” and enough sticky notes to wallpaper a dorm room. But here’s the truth: There’s no “right” way to organize chaos; just what works for you. As a self-proclaimed Excel evangelist (yes, I track my caffeine intake in spreadsheets), I’ll break down the best tools to tame the madness—including options for digital junkies, analog purists, and everyone in between.
1. Excel: For the Type-A Control Freaks
Confession: Nothing soothes my soul like a perfectly formatted Excel sheet. Need to track shadowing hours, GPA calculations, or application deadlines? Excel is your overachieving BFF.
Why I’m obsessed:
Custom formulas: Automatically calculate your science GPA or count down days to the MCAT.
Color-coding: Turn deadlines into a rainbow of urgency. (Red = “Apply now or perish.”)
Endless tabs: Separate tabs for coursework, volunteer hours, and that list of professors you need to cold-email.
Pro tip: Use the “Conditional Formatting” tool to highlight overdue tasks. Nothing motivates like a cell screaming “YOU’RE LATE” in neon pink.
Downside: Friends may call you “extra.” Lean into it.
2. GoodNotes: For the Digital Doodlers
If you’re an iPad addict who highlights textbooks in six different colors, GoodNotes is your playground.
Why it works:
Searchable handwriting: Scribble lecture notes, then find keywords like “mitochondria” instantly.
Pre-made templates: Download planners, habit trackers, or ~aesthetic~ study schedules.
Syncs everywhere: Access your notes on your phone mid-panic at the grocery store.
My hack: Create a “Master To-Do List” PDF and mark tasks with digital stickers. Checking off “submit application” with a cartoon trophy hits different.
Downside: Requires an iPad + Apple Pencil. If you’re broke, paper works too (more on that later).
3. Notion: For the “I Want It All” Overachievers
Notion is like Excel, Google Docs, and Pinterest had a baby. It’s perfect for people who want everything in one place—and don’t mind a learning curve.
Why it’s powerful:
Databases: Track research hours, link to journal articles, or build a MCAT study hub.
Templates: Steal pre-med dashboards from Reddit (shoutout to r/Notion).
Collaboration: Share your “Application Tracker” with mentors for feedback.
My experience: I spent three hours building a Notion template… then forgot to update it. If you’re easily distracted by customization, proceed with caution.
4. Paper: For the “I Need to Touch It” Traditionalists
Sometimes, analog just works. A bullet journal, sticky notes, or a $5 planner can be therapy for screen-weary eyes.
Why it sticks:
Tactile satisfaction: Crossing out tasks with a gel pen is weirdly euphoric.
No tech fails: Batteries die. Paper doesn’t.
Freedom: Doodle margin monsters or write curse words about chemistry.
My go-to: A bullet journal with weekly spreads. Migraines from biochem? Draw a frowny face. Nailed a lab practical? Add a glitter sticker.
Downside: Losing your planner feels like losing a limb. (RIP, my 2022 planner.)
5. Chaotic Hybrid: For the “Why Choose?” Rebels
Most of us mix tools: and that’s okay. My system?
Excel: Track deadlines, calculate GPAs.
GoodNotes: Lecture notes + doodles of frustrated nurses.
Paper: Daily to-do lists and brain dumps.
Embrace the chaos: Use Excel for serious stuff, GoodNotes for creativity, and paper for venting. No one needs to know your system is held together by caffeine and highlighters.
How to Pick Your Weapon
Ask yourself:
“Do I need structure or flexibility?” Excel = structure. Paper = flexibility.
“Will I keep up with this?” If updating Notion feels like homework, simplify.
“What’s my stress style?” Type-A? Digital. Free-spirited? Analog.
Your organization system shouldn’t be another chore. It’s a tool to quiet the “How do I adult?!” panic. So whether you’re a spreadsheet nerd, a bullet journal artist, or a chaotic hybrid, own it. And if all else fails? Tape a to-do list to your cat. At least you’ll laugh while drowning in deadlines.