SOME HINTS FOR COPING :
There is a real intimidation factor that can arise when come to medical school. You have always been at the top of your class, and then suddenly you are placed in a class of people who have all been at the top of the class. Some students begin to feel that they might not be on level ground with so many high achievers. This feeling of inequality will quickly pass once you get to know some of your classmates on a personal basis. You will see that professional school is NOT impossible; it is just DIFFERENT. You CAN make it; just remember your goals.
It is important to form new relationships at school, since this is where you will be spending most of your time. Being introduced to 200 or more people at a time may seem a bit stressful, and some people may seem hard to get to know at first. Be patient with yourself and your new classmates, and realize that EVERYONE will find their niche. Most of all, give yourself time to get to know otheres. Some suggestions are: try sitting in a different area of the lecture hall each day during orientation and once school starts. This allows you to meet more people in the class, especially those outside your peer group. Participate in as many social events as you can comfortably manage, such as cookouts put on by the school or intramural sports.
In all honesty, there is a mountain ofn unfamiliar material you will be expected to master. Don't get too disheartened by its volume. Make an effort to get a quick start on your studying and plan your studying time in advance. It is much easier if you keep up. Your old undergraduate study skills may need to be modified in professional school. You may find yourself needing some advice about how to improve your study skills. There are excellent workshops offered by the Counseling Service for doing just this. The key coping factor to school is TIME MANAGEMENT.
The school will do everything possible to help you stay in and to do your best. The Counseling Service, located in room 101F provides consultation for any personal, academic, or career problem that you, your spouse or significant other experience. The service has psychologists and psychiatrists available and is free and confidential. |
