Hey Everyone! I know finals season is approaching but it doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. The biggest mistake students make right now is trying to simply do more instead of learning how to do better. Before you start studying, take a quick audit of what you actually know, what keeps tripping you up, and what the exam format looks like—most people skip this and waste hours on material they already understand. From there, make active recall your default: practice questions, flashcards, or explaining concepts out loud. If you can’t teach it simply, you don’t fully know it yet. Study in focused blocks that match your energy. A strong, focused 50 minutes is more powerful than three hours of half-present studying. Prioritize the high-yield material first—the topics that show up the most—because mastering the top 20% usually earns you the majority of the points. Instead of cramming, simulate. Do at least one timed practice test so the real exam feels familiar. And keep your routine stable: no all-nighters, no new techniques, no energy drink experiments. Your brain performs best when everything around it is consistent. And remember, you don’t need to “feel ready” to start. No one ever does. You build readiness by taking that first focused step. Study smart, protect your energy, and trust the work you’re putting in.

If you were not aware, we had a Black Friday sale on the premedtracker.io pro account with lifetime access for just one small payment! I am keeping it live until the end of the month!

Hi there. My name is Keely. I'm a rising junior at Butler University in Indiana. I'm studying biology and biochemistry. I'm most interested in anesthesiology as a potential specialty. I work as a pediatric/NICU pharmacy technician and cardiac med/surg patient care assistant in two different hospital systems. I am also active with volunteering and campus clubs. Outside of my studies, I love music. I take piano lessons each semester as a hobby, and I've been playing for almost 15 years. I also like hiking, trying new restaurants, and going to museums (Indy has some great ones). Looking forward to connecting with everyone!

Many aspiring doctors start college with a big question: "Can I get into medical school without taking a gap year?" While going straight from undergrad to med school is possible, it requires careful planning from day one. In this guide, we’ll cover: - The freshman and sophomore year course schedule you need to stay on track. - The GPA benchmarks for applying without a gap year. - Why a gap year can still be a smart move for many premed students Why Premed Students Take a Gap Year Before we jump into avoiding one, let’s acknowledge the reality: Most premed students do take a gap year before starting medical school. This extra year can help you: - Boost your GPA with senior-year grades. - Gain more clinical and research experience without rushing. - Prepare for the MCAT with less stress. - Mature professionally before med school. However, if you’re set on applying straight through, you’ll need a strategic academic and extracurricular plan from your very first semester. Freshman Year Premed Schedule to Avoid a Gap Year To be ready to apply in June of your junior year, you’ll need to take the MCAT by May of that year. That means finishing all your MCAT-related prerequisites on time. Ideal Freshman–Sophomore Timeline - Freshman Fall: General Chemistry I + Intro Biology - Freshman Spring: General Chemistry II + Intro Biology - Sophomore Fall: Organic Chemistry I - Sophomore Spring: Organic Chemistry II - Junior Fall: Biochemistry Many medical schools require Organic Chemistry before Biochemistry. If you get behind, you might have to take summer classes — fine for one subject (like Physics or Chemistry), but admissions committees may question a transcript heavy with summer-only prerequisites. GPA Benchmarks for Applying Without a Gap Year Your grades are just as important as your timeline. Why GPA matters more for straight-through applicants: If you apply in your junior year, senior-year grades won’t appear on your application. That means you lose the chance to boost your academic record before schools review it.

My name is Hannah. I am an incoming sophomore at a small private university in Indiana, and I am an aspiring emergency medicine physician. I am a biology major with three minors: Psychology, gender studies, and music. Despite having many minors, I like to be involved in my major as a member of the executive board of the biology club. As a music minor, I play flute, and I participate in the wind ensemble and pep band. I volunteer as a United Sound mentor and Crisis Text Line counselor. Also, I have recently gotten a job as an EMT, and I am enjoying it so far. I am usually very busy but I try to keep a balance by doing activities I like such as working out and cooking. I am excited to get to know you all! Feel free to reach out.