Angela’s Blog

The winter break at UConn started about three weeks ago, as soon as finals ended, and there are still two and a half weeks left. Fortunately for me, the on campus apartments at UConn have a ten-month lease, which allows me to stay at UConn during break. Thus far, I’ve been holed up in my Charter Oaks apartment and have been purposely isolating myself from family and friends so that I can study for my very-dreaded MCATs. For those who don’t know, the MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) is the entrance exam into med school. It’s a killer exam that goes on for nearly 6 hours and tests you on biology, physics, chemistry, verbal comprehension, and writing– GROSS.

The parking lot is mad empty outside the apartment complex!

My life for the next month!

Once again, I’m very sorry that I haven’t had many blog posts recently. I’ll be doing my best to keep you updated on my life over the next few weeks–just to show you guys that I’m still alive and haven’t died from over-studying… jk! =)

I’m a part of an eight-year B.S. and M.D. Combined Program in Medicine (CPiM) at UConn. This program admits students through high school and allows them direct entrance into the UConn School of Medicine after four undergraduate years at Storrs, as long as certain requirements are met during those four years. Those requirements include a certain GPA and a minimum score of 28 (out of 45) on the MCAT. The CPiM program is amazing, offering a close-knit sense of community among program members and med school faculty, as well as shadowing and research opportunities. I still have to take of the MCAT as part of CPiM, but the programs also allows you to apply to other med schools, which definitely requires a MCAT score.
If you’re currently a junior and a prospective pre-med student, I definitely recommend that you look into this program for next year. It’s a very competitive program and not too widely advertised. Applications to the program require that you apply Early Action to UConn Storrs and submit a supplemental CPiM application by January 1st. Find out more about the B.A/B.S. and M.D. Combined Program in Medicine here.

I’ve been studying for the MCAT since this summer when I took a prep course. The MCAT is something that you take VERY seriously. Generally, when you focus and study hard, you’ll do well! Shutting yourself in like a hermit is a study strategy that I know some of my friends are using this winter break, but it’s not always necessary to go to such extremes. If you are pre-med or considering it, stick to it! The MCAT is a hurdle that all pre-med students must go through, and while it’s a definite test of endurance, most will survive it and go on to be accepted by their desired med schools. My fellow blogger, Charlayne, is a survivor of the dreaded MCAT–she took it this summer! If you have any questions about being a pre-med student, don’t be afraid send me a message! I’d be very happy to help you guys out in any way =)

Oh and btw,

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

My new year’s resolution this year: do well on my MCAT!