Where to Head for Pre-Med in New York

I'm getting kind of worked up over this, but I'm hoping to go pre-med and I'm in New York. Which colleges around here offer the best pre-med programs? Also, any tips to survive and thrive in these programs?

New York has several strong options for pre-med programs. Columbia, Cornell, and NYU offer excellent undergraduate programs with well-established pre-med tracks. With their networks of medical centers, research facilities, and medical schools in close proximity, these institutions provide great research and internship opportunities, and their rigorous courses prepare students for the MCAT and medical school.

As for surviving and thriving, a key piece of advice is to manage your time effectively. Pre-med coursework can be intense and rigorous. Prioritize your studies - you'll need to maintain a strong GPA for medical school admissions.

Involvement in extracurricular activities, like research or healthcare-related volunteering, is also important. Try not to spread yourself too thin, however. It's better to be deeply involved in a few activities rather than a lighter involvement in many.

Serving in leadership roles in extracurriculars, particularly those related to healthcare (for example, leading a health advocacy student group) would fall into Tier 2 Extracurriculars, which demonstrates your commitment to the field.

On a personal level, caring for your own mental and physical health is crucial. Don't neglect sleep, hobbies, and social interactions. Have a support system in place - it is essential to have people around you who understand and can accompany you on this journey.

Do your best to build solid relationships with your professors from the get-go. This will not only improve your learning experience but also come in handy when you need academic references later on.

Lastly, consider gaining some hands-on medical environment experience through internships, shadowing, or volunteering. This will not only enhance your resume but also give you a reality check about your chosen career path.

In summary, the most important thing is finding a balance and pacing yourself throughout the journey. It's a marathon, not a sprint, and taking these steps can help set you up for success.