This is the second post in my series Pre-Med Timeline, and focuses on your pre-med sophomore year. This year can sometimes be the make or break academic year that decides whether or not medical school is in the future. I don’t say this to add a bunch of pressure to you rising sophomores. I say this to be realistic about the fact that classes start heating up and pre-req classes are coming to an end.
Personally, I had a lot of fun sophomore year, but if I’d had this timeline, then maybe someone would be calling me doctor by now 🙃. But what can you do but live and learn. Well me, not you. Because you have this wonderful timeline! Your second year gets a little more serious, but also opens up to many new opportunities. Medical school is stilll a bit of ways away, but it is on the horizon. Remember that, but don’t start panicking.
Below are 5 essential things to focus on as a pre-med sophomore. If you follow this list, you will stay on track and have an outstanding application. Don’t forget to check out my checklist for Freshmen either just to make sure you’ve completed that list! Without further ado, here are five essential things to focus on as a pre-med sophomore.
Solidify your major
The first year is full of trying out different classes to see what you like. As a pre-med sophomore, it’s time to make a decision. This is why I say sophomore year can be the make or break year. Some students find out in their first two years that science is just not for them. That’s totally fine because you have plenty of time to decide what your major is going to be. Normally, most schools make you declare by the end of sophomore year, or 60 credit hours.
For those of you who still think medical school is the path for you, your major does not have to be a hard science major. I thought I was going to double major in biology and psychology…until I realized I hated biology. Ironic for a medical student to say that, but college level biology is often very foundational. I learned more about the evolution of plants and bugs than anything human related. Therefore, I just stuck with psychology.
I have classmates who have majored in theater, journalism, business, etc. Your major doesn’t matter. As long as you successfully complete your pre-med required classes, you are fine. In fact, non-traditional majors are becoming more popular as medicine is demanding physicians who are more personable and relatable. When all you know is science, you can potentially be limited in this area. Decide what you like and talk with your academic advisor about solidifying your major.
Find a research lab
As a pre-med sophomore, this is the time to get involved in research. I worked as a research assistant in a psychology lab. It was a great learning experience and my first time working with graduate students. Graduate students are real adults who are so serious, and in such different levels of their career. It was inspiring to watch. Plus, as a research assistant, you get more one-on-one time with faculty who could be great letter writers.
Your university should have a page, or several pages, dedicated to research that current faculty are doing. Find a faculty member AND research area that you like. Reach out to them and see if they have any spots open in their lab. It’s important you like the research area because you will spend a lot of time there. If you hate it, then you may not do a good job, and it’s just not worth your time.
Trial and error is okay, and you can work in the lab on a semester by semester basis and then change to something else. This is why it’s helpful to start as a pre-med sophomore because you have time to figure out what you like. However, try to find a home as continuity with a research team is impactful.
When you first join the lab, your only goal should be to just learn the basics of research in higher education. It is going to be different than any research you did as a high school student. As you get acclimated to the lab and are given more responsibilities, then you can talk with your faculty advisor about poster presentations, publications, and conference attendances.
Volunteer Hours
Service is another major component of the medical school application. Medicine itself is a service profession. So, medical schools want to see that service is important to you. If you begin your service hours in freshman or sophomore year, you will have hundreds of hours by the time you apply.
Most universities have an office or organization responsible for volunteer hours. You can also work with your local pre-med club to volunteer at medically related activities. This can help you with your medical/clinical exposures necessary for your application, and your service.
When you go to the service activities, it’s important you try your hardest to get something out of it. Put down your phone, make sure you’re on time, and try to be helpful. There are always going to be things you don’t want to do, but your attitude can make or break the day. Plus, this is great practice for medical practice when there are days you don’t want to be there, but your presence can literally save a life.
If you are part of a Greek organization, then this requirement is ingrained in your mission and bylaws. If you are not Greek, and have trouble thinking of some service activities, here is a list of potential options:
- Big Brothers Big Sisters
- Church
- Local school mentoring program
- Women’s and Children’s center
- Park clean up
- Retirement home
- Children’s hospital
- Pet shelter
You may have to get creative, but if you can log 100 service hours this year, then that would be great for your application. That may sound like a lot, but spread out over an entire year, this is feasible. Keep track of each experience, the number of hours, what you did, and a supervisor with their contact information.
Apply for summer medical programs
Want to get your name out there for medical programs? Try going to one of their summer medical programs as a pre-med sophomore. Many schools have summer immersion camps where you go for a set amount of time and complete research, see patients, and learn what it’s like to be a medical student.
The great part about this is you get to interact with the very people who will be reading your medical school application. This is the easiest way to make a positive impression, get a letter of recommendation letter, and get your foot in the door. Half the battle of medicine is who you know, not what you know. The sooner you realize the importance of networking, the better opportunities that will come your way.
Begin researching summer medical programs early in your sophomore year as some of them have November and December deadlines. Some of the applications are also fairly intensive. They could ask for personal statements, current letters of recommendation, transcripts, etc. You can get these letters from your faculty, service supervisors, and any other non-family individuals who can provide you with a positive recommendation. Also, some may request an application fee or a deposit. Research these programs and make a spreadsheet with their deadlines, fees, requirements, etc., so you don’t miss any of them. Some resources for summer programs are:
- AAMC Summer Undergraduate Research Programs
- AAMC Summer Medical Enrichment Programs
- Summer Health Professions Education Program (SHPEP)
- NAAHP Summer Programs Directory
- Summer Programs for International Students
Apply to study abroad
Study abroad is a must in college. I know not everyone has a travel bug like I do, but at least one experience is so important. American culture is so different from the rest of the world. But, unless you travel, you’ll never know. I studied abroad in Barcelona, and I absolutely loved it. The culture, the people, the language, the architecture and the food were like nothing I’ve ever experienced before. I very much encourage Black college women, especially, to travel abroad to Spain (you can thank me later).
Not only do you get to know this different way of life, but you get to appreciate different cultures. As a doctor, you will care for people from a multitude of backgrounds. If you get boxed into your comfort zone, then you may miss a chance to connect with some of your patients.
Study abroad can also be financially possible as well, for those who do not travel due to money. Scholarships can be used towards study abroad costs, and there are certain study abroad scholarships for visiting certain high-need areas (South America, Africa, Eastern Europe, Southeast Asia). Work with your school’s study abroad office to find the perfect program and classes. Many programs offer classes equivalent to your school’s courses so you don’t have to worry about falling behind either.
Your pre-med sophomore year is the best time to study abroad, or the first semester of your Junior year as it’s right before MCAT studying really takes off. Start the steps of planning your trip, and get ready to learn new languages, cultures, and more about yourself!
Conclusion
As you can see, your pre-med sophomore year is busy! More and more of what you’re doing will be application building. You still are exploring, but with a bit more focus. The best part about everything on this list is there are people at your school whose job it is to help you. Look at your school’s website to find these offices and set up appointments. Try and be proactive so you don’t miss deadlines, and remember you can always reach out to me with any questions you may have!
2 thoughts on “Pre-Med Sophomore Year: 5 Essential Things to Focus On”