Secrets To Success For Pre-Meds and Medical Students

In this video I answer a reader's email question, "what is your secret to success?" I share my best tips for success as a pre-med, how I stayed motivated, how I got into medical school, and what I do daily to succeed in medicine.
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[@Alyson542]

Every time I watch a video of yours it's usually because I'm feeling hopeless. Every time I finish a video I'm left feeling inspired and motivated again. Your videos provide so much more than information and guidance, they also give us hope. Thank you Andrea!

[@AndreaTooleyMD]

TheDRASC14 Don't feel hopeless!!! You can do it!! Glad you like the videos :-)

[@TiffanyCu215]

I would love to see a video of D.O. vs. M.D.

[@wasefmahmoud9928]

Ok so this is kind of an unusual question: How time consuming is it TRULY to be a doctor? I know it varies with your specialty but is it possible to be a part time doctor and to even have a family that you watch grow?? Thanks! You're videos truly are a great source of guidance and inspiration!

[@AndreaTooleyMD]

Wasef Mahmoud It really depends on the specialty. There are plenty of specialties where you can work part time, but a lot of it depends on where you work, etc.

[@alexandraschroeder323]

Could you do a video on finding good mentors? 😊😊

[@tylerdetermined]

I would definitely say that perseverance and self-motivation is extremely critical to success. Whether you have a unique story or not, everyone faces adversity in many different ways. However, attack adversity and remain humble, yet hungry. Andrea thanks for all of your advice and great channel!

[@jessalynschafer3026]

Andrea Tooley, I am in the process of applying to medical school and your videos are so encouraging. You outlook and attitude are totally contagious so please, keep doing what you are doing! We are blessed to have your guidance!!

[@alexkonstantinou4782]

I totally agree with you Andrey, having a mentor is such a big deal for someone with high goals! this year I'm taking my MCAT and no teacher has ever believed in me and my hard work so sometimes I feel disappointed and willing to give up on my dream since my teachers treat me like I'm stupid!

[@castellanoscristina]

This was wonderful and inspirational. I'm looking forward to becoming a PA, now thinking MD... but with 2 kids and being in my 30's, I think PA is the way to go. As a pointer to all the readers, another key to success is surrounding yourself with people that are not only upbeat and in a similar career path, but also that are rooting for you.

[@carolinac4406]

+Cristina Castellanos you can definitely do it. I am about to start PA school, 30, and I have two children!! Stay focused!

[@castellanoscristina]

Carolina C can I get in touch with you?, I would love to get pointers about how to do it with family and what not...

[@carolinac4406]

+Cristina Castellanos of course you can email me at [e-mail]!

[@54jb3r7]

Secret to success, - work your ass off - look good or at least your very best, all the time and don't forget to fake smile 24/7 - network network network, socialize even with people you don't like if they can be important to you in any way later - study smart, i.e. study for the tests and not the actual topic of the test - be lucky - have a quick "ME ME ME!" attitude, i.e. fuck people over, as long as you can get away with it and don't piss off anyone who' could be important to you, justify your shitty actions with sentiments like "well it's a competitive field" or "you snooze you lose :)" - Put work and studies before romance and any partners you may have But keep in mind that some people are just better suited at performing. Not everyone has the same amount of drive and killer instinct and not everyone will be able to evoke as much interest in various topics that the need to study. Not everyone has the same social skills or look good. Having support (financial and otherwise) from your family helps a great amount too (probably an understatement). Lastly, keep in mind that you can be a good doctor, a BETTER doctor than this woman but working at a far less prestigious place. What makes a good doctor and what makes someone able to perform well on board tests and interviews can be strikingly different as well. For many people setting a lower pace and instead setting aside time for the important things in life can be the decision that makes them happier.

[@direct2taiba1]

Hi Andrea, I am a medical grad from India and i am currently stuggling with residency prep here. Your video was really insightful and i want to thank you for sharing you tips. :) have a good day!

[@Nyanko]

I'm about to start med school in just under 2 weeks, so I've been watching your videos and really absorbing your advice! I completed an early assurance post-bacc program in which I took about 5 real med school courses and was required to beat the medical student average on exams. Comparing myself to some of the students who did not "successfully" matriculate, I would say my secret to success is understanding and being comfortable with myself and my learning style (or curve). I began by first learning WHAT type of learner I was: visual, auditory, or kinesthetic. In my undergrad we didn't have recorded lectures, and I never thought to record lectures, so I always assumed that I was more visual because that's all I knew. The med school classes I took as a post-bacc were all recorded so I never went to class (not a morning person) and listened to my lectures PLENTY of times. Since I am also fairly visual, I color-code my notes on sheets of white printer paper (no lined paper) and then use that as my exam study material. I'm also the type of person who needs to study alone and study a lot to absorb information, so I sometimes passed on study groups because for me they are not conducive to active learning. I missed out on seeing my classmates sometimes but it worked out for me. Do you, enjoy life, and you'll succeed. And don't compare your life or your successes to anyone else!

[@spottedmoon96]

I think what helps me be successful (well at least in high school, just beginning college this upcoming semester!) would have to be to ask for help when I need it. I know I am definitely not the smarter girl in my class, and like any human being I make several mistakes. I personally just don't get math and science as quickly as my peers, causing me to work a bit harder but I think that's what makes me motivated for the future; that you can have the will to succeed if you choose to. Absolutely love your videos, I'm super confused about my major right now and will be exploring some subjects my first semester of college! :)

[@ThaliaRam]

Thank you so much for your insightful videos! Sometimes I feel like giving up but what you said at the end is so true, there are people out there who have to face great difficulties to study/ get through their daily lives and so we need to be grateful and work hard to chase our goals :)

[@aDashofMonique]

I'm definitely going to be making a schedule in order to incorporate all the tasks I need to do during the day while balancing med school and studying. Thanks for the advice!

[@LCabett]

I'm loving anatomy!!!!!! Studying medicine is really a privilege.

[@enochbrown8178]

Andrea, my daughter is 2 years old right now. But someday, I'm going to send her to you to guide her in her career.

[@starlin591]

I love the fact that you are very humble

[@googleone9209]

You are so cheering!! Its a pleasure to watch you :-)

[@MusicFreakSion]

I was wondering how to get money during medical school. Some people say they have jobs during medical school and I was wondering how to manage that. It would be so so helpful if you could make a video explaining that! Thanks!!

[@Danielle_4.]

Love how your channel is blossoming Andrea!! Thank you for your time & dedication

[@AndreaTooleyMD]

Danielle S Thank you Danielle!

[@alanus95]

Hello. I am 1st year med student from Poland. I'm 19 and have been your huge fan for I think two years now since I was still in high school. I have kind of the same problem as you had. Namely, I really want to be a general surgeon since I was 13 years old but now when, I am medical student, I hate anatomy so much too instead, I love biochemistry in which I am great. And I am really afraid that maybe this is not my future path. What do you think I should do?

[@savannahballard5786]

I want to be a physical therapist but I think being a surgeon or er dr would be so awesome too. I have been through alot of physical therapy and have a great pt who i look up to. Do you know if anyone you know has an amazingly informative channel for pt like yours?

[@Makeeup4ever]

I love your videos and your blog SO MUCH :) Everytime I see that you uploaded something new, I stop doing everything I was doing to watch it :) I really want to become a doctor and you inspire me a lot. Thank you :)

[@morganm9443]

Hi Andrea Can you do a video about the difference between a physician and a nurse practitioner?

[@jadehymel]

Love your channel, I would be really interested in a video about pre-med students who go to college a little later than average.

[@aprilprincess96]

Thank you For All the vídeos you do!! I always watch them. They are very motivational and they help me through the carreer! Greetings from Mexico

[@doris123arianna]

I absolutely love your videos! You have the perfect amount of information in them. It is usually hard to find solid information about how people got into competitive specialties, so I am very grateful for your honesty. I have also been interested in Ophthalmology since high school, and I'll be sure to take your advice on getting a mentor. I hope to do research in Ophthalmology, also. Thank you so much Andrea! :)

[@VanessaOliveira-nd7yh]

You mentioned your experience with research in this video. I am going into my second year of Biology Health Sciences and I got a research position with one of my professors this summer. I was wondering if you have any tips related to research and how to be a good scientist. I love your videos and blog!

[@elyorange]

Hi Andrea! :) You are huge inspiration for me ( I study nursing and may be going to study medicine in future ) Can you do a video about the most interesting medicine specialities/ "fields" on your opinion? And what are going to be the most demanded in future? Love you xx

[@katecavanagh7549]

What do you think the best hospitals to work at are for surgeons? Also, what are the best (in your opinion) pre-med and med schools? I love your videos! ☺️

[@stephanienavarro1319]

you're my biggest inspiration!!!

[@35summerlove]

Can you do a video on early admission to medical school as you said that's what you did !!

[@strawberrycreamswirl1544]

Can you post a video about a loan talk? I know after high school there's college and medical school but they are expensive so having advice from someone who has already been through that is pretty nice, thank you!!

[@AndreaTooleyMD]

+StrawberryCreamSwirl Yes! I am trying so hard to get a financial advisor for pre-meds to let me interview him!!!!

[@strawberrycreamswirl1544]

Ah that'd be awesome! I'm looking forward to that. I actually attend to a school just a walk away from a few hospitals Longwood area in Boston so I see doctors here and there. I'm mostly too shy to ask for advice, but time to time I have begun to ask doctors questions. After watching one of your videos, I have been thinking about shadowing doctors. I also have been wondering what happens if a student gets a bad GPA or MCAT score, can they still get into medical school? What would you advise? I know improvement looks great to medical schools, but knowing that they want such a GPA kind of scares me. Is getting a good GPA easy in college? (Freshmen in college). I'm commuting my first semester, but I'm thinking about dorming my second semester so I can commit time to be active in clubs and volunteer at hospitals.

[@35summerlove]

Can you do a video about early acceptance to medical school please like you did when you applied?? You are my inspiration to apply to Medical School!!

[@AndreaTooleyMD]

35summerlove Yes for sure! I will work on it :-)

[@tiamariebess8672]

can you do an interview with the ophthalmologist/physician scientist who helped you.

[@edwardduda549]

Hi Andrea, I was wondering if you could make a video about relationships in conjunction with going into medical school and residency. In this video you mentioned that you have a husband. Were you together while you were in school or after? Does dating and relationships have to be put on hold during the whole process? Thanks! :)

[@abigailpanarello2394]

I am an upcoming junior in high school and I am so happy that I found your channel so early because it really motivates me and is making me aware of how much hard work i need to put in. My average at the moment is a 93 do you think this will lower my chances of getting into a good college and then a good medical school? I know I am thinking way into the future but I have been really stressed because this year is when I started to become super interested in the medical field. This year I am aiming to get a 97 and also volunteer at a hospital. I also have another question (I'm sorry this is so lengthy!) How did you prepare for the MCAT and was it what you expected?

[@AndreaTooleyMD]

+Abigail Panarello I think your grades sound fine! Keep working hard and don't worry about the future- just focus on doing the best you can right now :-) I used a Kaplan course to study for the MCAT and it was pretty much what I expected. Good luck!!

[@jmk077]

Can you do a video on the nurse/med lab scientist / doctor relationships. I always hear about how negative everyone is to each other. Also, you did a nurse to md, can you do a Medical Laboratory Science to md? I'm curious about that transition! Thanks!

[@AndreaTooleyMD]

J Kap I will look into the med lab scientist/md! I have never had a negative interaction with another member of the healthcare team, but I'm pretty happy and easy going lol! Some people get really tense. It's a stressful environment and some people can clash, but I just try to remember that we're all working for the patients!

[@mollerbt]

Sounds like you have been lucky. I have come to believe that success isn't just about effort and ability. I believe success is largely about luck and who you come into contact with. Some people are just luckier then others. Its truly unfortunate...

[@nickboldan7833]

mollerbt There's no such thing as luck - we all shape our destinies through our choices and the work we put in. Please don't insult successful people by telling them they are lucky when you have no idea the time and energy they put in to get where they are. Perhaps you should ask yourself if there is a different way you can approach your own situation, such as with a better attitude.

[@a0stoner]

Hi Andrea, I was wondering if you could do a video on Interview tips! With the new cycle coming up, it would be really helpful.

[@Xmegamarco001X]

I know I am late to this conversation, but I have so many questions. I wanted to be a psychiatrist starting my senior year of college. I hadn't taken any science classes, because they weren't required, and my school did not have anyway that I could postpone my graduation to take extra classes unless I failed one of my core classes. I graduated, have started working as a behavior therapist, and am pursuing my masters in behavior analysis. I still have my dream of medical school. How hard do you think it is to get into medical school if you don't have a post bach program, but just take the pre-requisite classes part-time over a few years. It is pretty much impossible to shadow psychiatry because of hippa, which is why I got the job I do now (which I love) because of the "clinical" experience.

[@AndreaTooleyMD]

MegaMarco001 I think you can still get into medical school without the post bacc program. Just focus on doing well in those classes and doing well on the MCAT- you will be a great applicant with all your experience!

[@mortarblues5476]

So it's not always about how hard you work it's who you know that'll get you somewhere in your career? For instance, i knew this person who basically didn't reach the standards for a school but because his mom was on one of the boards he got in and a person who did qualify above what was expected lost that spot due to that person having connections.

[@meikoblock]

Your net worth is who you network with.

[@pauld4355]

i love how yo call it a healthy fear.

[@user-uk9ro4gz5x]

andrea, all ur videos are soo helpful can u do a video on how to talk to ur professors?

[@swapnabhalerao647]

hello mam i m repeating cet exam for first time can u plz plz make a special video giving tips for repeaters

[@jennflprofileupdated8931]

SuccessStyle yey!!

[@brittjh7]

Hi Andrea! I'd really like to hear your thoughts on choosing a specialty. Currently a rising MS2 and leaning towards heme/onc but don't want to bury myself in its research and exclude other possible specialties/sub specialties. Thanks for your videos!!

[@october2534]

Beautiful and brainy , how perfect is this girl

[@lizanal1521]

Can you please do a video for nontraditional/postbacc premed students? Love you!

[@AndreaTooleyMD]

Nazzy A. working on it! :-)

[@amethystcream94]

Hey Andrea, thanks so much for taking the time to make this lovely and incredibly helpful video! I had one question about research. In terms of publishing around how many papers do competitive residencies expect for a medical student to have published? I'm starting my first year of medical school next month, and I'm most likely going to involve myself in basic research the next summer.

[@AndreaTooleyMD]

amethystcream94 I don't think there is a set number for how many publications to have. When I applied I only had one publication but I had several poster presentations and things like that... but I guess the more the better!

[@aizachohan6192]

Andrea what is the best thing to study for the mcat????? Because kaplan isnt the best anymore!!!!!!!

[@rileynickell]

Your videos are very motivational and inspiring, I love them! What is an acceptable total grade point average for medical school?

[@micaylaw]

Could you interview a trauma surgeon?!

[@akankshaahuja5846]

Hi i love watching your videos and learning more about medical school and how to get there. But in your pervious videos you have mentioned shadowing doctors. Im just a little confused on what the procedure is to shadowing a doctor and how to apply. It would be really helpful if you reply. Thank youu 😊

[@AndreaTooleyMD]

Akanksha Ahuja Just find a doctor in your area who you want to shadow and call the office and ask!

[@melissasedam5110]

I dont have a mom or dad to help me survive. I got a GED at 16. I know my father had 8 children over a 30 year span. I never thought about what I want to do. I want to achieve my SAT/ACT College entry exams this year, I'm 22. I really adore the idea of being strong enough to be liked, loved, accepted by peers and becoming an M.D. .Do you think I will achieve it? I recieved 89% on Language art, Reading Comprehension and a 72% in Math for my GED. Will I go hungry?

[@melissasedam5110]

+Melissa Sedam I thought I could theraputically state, I get scared of the women; What if they steal the person I love because I wasn't able to compare?

[@melissasedam5110]

+Melissa Sedam How Do I aproach them, accept them?

[@kimberlytakesover]

Hi Andrea, great video! Quick question, what do you think about the lifestyle of general pediatricians? Do you think that with that lifestyle one can have enough family time? Thank you!

[@MK-ht9fh]

how can i find research opportunities as an incoming pre-med freshman>

[@mrcollegevlogs8512]

Did you have any fancy headphones that you used while you were studying?

[@AndreaTooleyMD]

Mr College Vlogs No- just regular ones :-)

[@MUHAMMADBILALSHAFIQ]

i'm doing DPT , are u know about it scope?

[@horsecasper]

I'm a sleeper too, how many hours of sleep did you usually get in undergrad and med school?

[@maneeshakhalae3840]

Dear Andrea, do you have any advice for an international student wanting to study medicine in the US? Do I take AP or the SATs? What about the ACTs? Thanks so much if you ever see this and reply! You're so inspiring and my role model!! :)

[@iluvbluify]

I believe you take the SAT and ACT..

[@heavythinker16]

MCAT, perhaps?

[@jennyhuynh93]

You will have to go through a 4year college as a pre-med then apply for medical school, MCAT would be the exam you need to take for medical school admission. ACT and SAT are for high school to college, not college to med school. :). I know in other countries, we go straight to medical school after high school, unfortunately, in the U.S., all students will have to earn a college degree before they can apply for any specialty schools such as medical school. Hope that help.

[@K1370]

Simrita Appleyard and you have to take the TOEFL

[@jorgepadua9124]

Simrita Appleyard For the US, you need a bachelor's degree. SAT or ACT won't matter. You need to go to college for 4 years and take the MCAT and THEN apply to med school, hope this helped.

[@gbritto98]

Hey Andrea, how did you get an opportunity to do research as an undergrad? Did you just ask the professor if he was doing any research?

[@AndreaTooleyMD]

gbritto98 Basically yes!

[@matthewshannon7235]

Andrea Tooley I have a question.. Okay, so I am still in high school (I just turned into a junior) and I have been slacking off first and second year (GPA is around 2.7) If I get straight A's for the rest of my high school career do I have a chance of becoming a medical doctor, thanks!

[@OrianaFunkhouser]

High school gpa doesn't matter for your grad school. High school is only taken into account in undergrad. So if you do good in college you'll be fine

[@franklynd14]

Hey Andrea, I am a high school graduate who's going into undergrad with 60 college credits from a duel enrollment program and if I do decide to let my school take the credits I was wondering if it will help or hurt me. I was wondering this mainly because it might take years off my overall stay at my school and I don't know if there will be enough time to get involved and do beneficial activities.

[@raymonddevries5341]

franklyn decker I am in the same exact situation. I asked her a similar question about being young and applying to med school. Let them take the credits. You can always get another major or even get your masters. There is a lot ways to go about it, don't waste your time and money on classes you already have completed. Here is her exact response she gave me: I don’t know if medical schools would consider you differently since you are so young. Taking another 2 years to get a masters degree would be a great idea. The only thing I want to add is that if it’s possible for you to just study for another major and still do 4 years of college, you might be glad you did that in the long run, because college is amazing and it’s 4 years you will never get again. It’s time with friends, parties, and experiences that are so unique to that period of your life. You could schedule a meeting with your local medical school and ask if your age would be an issue. But you can’t go wrong just staying in college!

[@mistyjohnson3773]

I sent you an email :) I know you probly get alot of them but i really need help! what if I just now decided to become a Surgeon or just to go to college in general. Im 21, I didnt think i was going to go to college while i was in high school.. so my grades are not like they should be, so.. how do i fix that? its not like i can just go back to high school to fix it now.

[@mollerbt]

What if you have been getting bad grades throughout college. Does that mean it is to late if you can't repeat them to get a better grade? I fear it is far to late for me to achieve whatever goals I might have and its honestly extremely depressing. ;(

[@RyanSlays]

mollerbt You are screwed if you can't improve your grades. I might suggest retaking the courses and get better grades, or get a masters and do really well.

[@AndreaTooleyMD]

mollerbt You can try to retake some of the classes and also look into post-graduate programs like +RyanSlays suggested. Good luck!

[@livfrazier6295]

What was your major at Butler? :)

[@mem7718]

I think it was chemistry and English. I'm not sure though, you can check on her other videos or her blog. She already talked about them.

[@tooowqeErtiri]

hhhhhhaaa

[@savannahballard5786]

I want to be a physical therapist but I think being a surgeon or er dr would be so awesome too. I have been through alot of physical therapy and have a great pt who i look up to. Do you know if anyone you know has an amazingly informative channel for pt like yours?

[@tooowqeErtiri]

hhhhhhaaa