Surviving the Grind
Let’s cut to the chase: Being a pre-health student is hard as HELL. Between chemistry exams, MCAT prep, volunteering shifts, and the constant fear that one bad grade might tank your chances of getting into med/nursing/pharmacy/dental school, anxiety can feel like your default setting. I’ve been there; crying in the bathroom at 2 a.m., convinced I’d never memorize the Krebs cycle, let alone survive this journey. But here’s the good news: You don’t have to white-knuckle your way through. Here are my tips for managing the chaos without burning out.
1. Stop Comparing Your Timeline to Everyone Else’s
You know that classmate who’s publishing research, shadowing a surgeon, and acing physics whilerunning a nonprofit? They’re either a robot or hiding their struggles. Comparison is a trap. Your path is unique, and rushing to check boxes “because everyone else is” will drain you.
Try this:
Write down your priorities (“I need a B in biochemistry” vs. “I need to join 5 clubs”).
Remind yourself daily: “Getting into school isn’t a race. It’s about showing up as my best self.”
2. Break the “All-or-Nothing” Mentality
Pre-health culture glorifies extremes: “If I’m not studying 10 hours a day, I’m failing.” But perfectionism fuels anxiety. A “C” in one class won’t ruin your life, and taking a mental health day won’t make you lazy.
Try this:
Use the 80/20 rule: Focus 80% of your energy on the 20% of tasks that matter most (e.g., nailing key exams vs. obsessing over optional homework).
Ask yourself: “Will this matter in 5 years?” (Spoiler: That one lab mishap won’t.)
3. Schedule Time to Not Be a Student
You’re human, not a GPA-generating machine. Without downtime, burnout is inevitable. I used to feel guilty for watching Netflix instead of reviewing flashcards—until I realized rest makes me a better student.
Try this:
Block off 8 hours weekly for something unrelated to school: hiking, baking, calligraphy, whatever makes you forget the word “mitochondria.”
Protect this time like it’s a final exam. No exceptions.
4. Talk Back to Your Anxiety
Anxiety loves to whisper, “What if you fail?” or “You’re not cut out for this.” Instead of spiraling, challenge those thoughts like a scientist.
Try this:
Write down your fears. Then, fact-check them:
Fear: “If I don’t get an A, I’ll never get into med school.”
Reality: Admissions committees look at your whole story—not one grade.
Replace catastrophizing with: “I’m doing my best. That’s enough.”
5. Find Your People (Yes, Really)
Isolation magnifies anxiety. You need a squad who gets it—study groups, roommates, or even online communities. When I failed my first genetics exam, my study buddy said, “Same. Wanna get boba and rant?” It saved my sanity.
Try this:
Join a pre-health club or Discord server (my personal favorite). Vent, share notes, and celebrate small wins.
If impostor syndrome hits, remember: Everyone feels like they’re faking it sometimes.
6. Reframe “Weakness” as Strength
Asking for help isn’t a flaw. Tutoring, therapy, or academic counseling isn’t a sign you’re “not cut out for healthcare”—it means you’re resourceful. I finally saw a therapist in my junior year, and it changed how I handled stress.
Try this:
Campus resources exist for a reason. Book that tutoring session or counseling appointment.
Practice saying: “I’m struggling, and that’s okay.”
7. Keep the “Why” Front and Center
When the grind feels pointless, reconnect with your purpose. Maybe it’s a patient who inspired you, a love for problem-solving, or wanting to advocate for underserved communities. Write it down and revisit it when motivation tanks.
Try this:
Create a “Why” sticky note on your laptop. Mine says: “For the 15-year-old me who dreamed of this.”
The Bottom Line
You don’t have to be a stress-free superhero to succeed in pre-health. You just need to survive the process without losing yourself. Progress > perfection. And hey, if you’re reading this while procrastinating on Anki cards? Give yourself grace. You’ve got this—one deep breath at a time.