The Perfect Major to get you into Medical School

The perfect major: whatever YOU are passionate about and want to major in.

Fortunately, there is no major that will get you into medical school. I say, "fortunately" because premedical students do have to be limited by 'science' majors. Take advantage of this opportunity and major in a filed you are truly passionate about, and a major you can perform well in. Admissions committees will be focusing more on your GPA than your major. More than likely, if you major in something you enjoy, you'll end up doing well, and it will show.

Additionally, for those interested in the non-traditional, science majors, try to tie in your major to healthcare somehow. For example, my friend majored in English & Literature. She took a year off between college and med school by working as the media spokeswoman at a non-profit organization that's researching products to improve healthcare to those living in poverty. Through this job, she has been able to network with many healthcare personnel and physicians, and compete in national competitions for their inventions.

In the end, admissions committees are not looking for what you majored, but how well you did in your chosen major, and what you did with it. Do what you enjoy, and if you're truly passionate, it will all show and pay off!!

P.S. I am still looking for non-trad medical students for my new blog series. If you were a non-trad applicant and want to do a guest post, please comment/email me!

Children & Following Through...

This post is in reference to Danielle's post.

Children do not get enough credit for how truly intelligent they are. They speak the truth (mostly) and listen for the truth. Throughout most of my undergraduate education, I spent my time volunteering and interacting with children of all ages (infants - young adults). One of the most important jobs as a parent is to gain your child's respect. Yes, it's important for your children to feel that they can trust your decisions and what you tell them. This trust/respect starts from the very beginning, and it is hard to ever gain that trust once it's lost.

A child looks onto their parents for comfort and security. And it all starts from the very first day. For example, the first time you take your child to a birthday party and they won't socialize with anyone, without having their parents by their side. It's important at this stage of their life to understand their parents are within reach and will always be there for them. Security. It's also important that the parents do not force their child to play with the other children, but encourage it whilst letting them take their time. Comfort. 

In terms of more conflict situations, it's important that parents actually mean what they say. If a child has to get a shot, it is wrong for the parents/doctors/nurses to ever tell the child "this is not going to hurt." Instead, let them know the truth along with encouraging words, "You're a big boy, I know you can handle it" or "[the parent] is going to be right here with you." This will give them your trust and also let them know you sympathize with them.

In response to Danielle's post, it is VERY important to follow up with your kids. "You can't play outside until you clean your room." Yes, it's very important to say strong to your words. They will kick, scream, through a tantrum the first day. But all days following this episode, they will learn that it's the only way out. And it doesn't always refer to punishment. "If you get an A on your next test, we'll go out for ice cream." Follow through with your words. If they get an A - take them out to their favorite ice cream parlor. (In this particular example, encourage them to do better next time without being too upset if they don't make the mark.)

Following up with your kids can be a challenge, but if you form these acts of trust and respect in their early childhood, they will reciprocate (hopefully) as they grow older and into their more difficult teen years.

EDIT: I originally wrote this post in my previous blog, but just copied it over.