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Highlight & Takeaways

PMY 612: When Your Advisor Says “Wait”—And She’s Right

Session 612

Today’s guest traces a clear, practical path from childhood curiosity in the halls of Mass General—while her mom underwent treatment and later entered remission—to a medical school seat built on consistency, flexibility, and honest self-reflection. She shares how starting at UMass in biochemistry, discovering neuroscience, and building an early relationship with her premed advisor shaped smarter decisions—like delaying the MCAT and embracing gap years she once feared.

We dive into the first MCAT attempt that fell flat (no schedule, cramming during senior year, few practice tests) and the 15‑point turnaround that followed: six months post‑graduation, three hours a day, AAMC full‑lengths every Thursday, and a real study plan. She details lining up letters before leaving campus, keeping in touch after graduation, and why not prewriting secondaries became her biggest application headache.

Clinically, she moved from EMT certification and campus EMS to behavioral health sitting and a clinical assistant role in a pediatric ER—experiences that cemented her desire to practice. Finally, we cover interviews (including a surprise bartender question), eight invites, the first acceptance at work, and her closing advice: keep an open mind—and be kind to yourself.

What You’ll Learn:
– How to build a productive relationship with your premed advisor
– A realistic MCAT retake plan: pacing, practice tests, and scheduling
– Why gap years and nonclinical jobs can strengthen your application
– Finding schools by fit and mission instead of fixating on stats
– Timing letters and prewriting secondaries to avoid bottlenecks

Full show notes coming soon!

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