What you wish you knew or practiced before starting medical School

Hello Everyone.

I'm a current medical applicant (Graduate-Entry Medicine) for 2018 entry .
I am so eager to know what current medical students or Doctors would've done differently to prepare for medical school.

Imagine you had a gap-year off academics (like myself) what would you have done differently to start you off on your first year?
Anything as basic as Daily habits, books to read, note-taking, improving long-term & short-term memory for exams, organising your day etc.

Maybe you found certain modules overbearing and long, perhaps applicants could prepare for these areas ahead of time, especially during the summer holiday before term starts.

I would appreciate the input you can all give, thank you !

Hello Everyone.

I'm a current medical applicant (Graduate-Entry Medicine) for 2018 entry .
I am so eager to know what current medical students or Doctors would've done differently to prepare for medical school.

Imagine you had a gap-year off academics (like myself) what would you have done differently to start you off on your first year?
Anything as basic as Daily habits, books to read, note-taking, improving long-term & short-term memory for exams, organising your day etc.

Maybe you found certain modules overbearing and long, perhaps applicants could prepare for these areas ahead of time, especially during the summer holiday before term starts.

I would appreciate the input you can all give, thank you !

Content wise just make sure you fully understand A-level biology, it'll help a lot at the start. Pre-studying isn't really needed imo, you'll probably forget most of it.

The most important thing i wish i'd done was to work out how i was going to take notes in lectures and memorise the content earlier (e.g hand written vs typed, flashcards ect), but aside from that just enjoy yourself before you start.

Do things you enjoy - there is more to life than medicine! I'd never been a full time student before doing my previous degree as online modules - I've managed okay so far.

A normal sleeping schedule.

Thanks for the input !
So when in comes to my understanding of A-level Biology, I think I'm ok in that area. I've tutored the subject for 2 years and have an undergrad degree in Biomedical science.

When it comes to revision and note-taking techniques, ive been practicing for the past 3 months, im hoping i could get more tips on the pace and quantity of work.

I work a 12 hour shift as a HCA at a hospital. I tend to wake up around 6:30 every morning and sleep around 10-11pm, does that sound decent for med school?

Seems like you've pretty much got it down. From my previous degree I was used to late starts or afternoon starts so I really struggled when clinical placements started.

Got more money saved up That £3.5k in cash killed me off financially

lol sorry whats this about?

What you need to pay in your first year if you’re on a GEM course

yes, ive saved up for that.
Hopefully all gap year students prepare for that too, not sure about those coming str8 from their final year...good luck!

Thanks for the good luck but I’m just about finished with GEM.
Good luck to you!

Oh as in you're in your final year?

Yup, just 11 weeks and I am all done!

wooohoo! congrats!
I would love some lil tips if you've got any for someone like me, what would you expect a 1st year med student entering the GEM, to prepare for? I'm done with holidays, so im keen on prepping now.