Trying to Survive Pre-Med: The Easy Year?

Hello! I'm planning to take up a pre-med track in college. I'm worried about the overall difficulty, so I thought I'd get a sense of the timeline. Is there a specific year in the pre-med track considered to be 'easier' or less intense than the others? What should I expect? Thanks in advance!

Hi there! While every student's journey in pre-med can vary based on a multitude of factors such as personal study habits, course load, and extracurricular commitments, it's typically considered that the first year is the "easiest." During this time, you'll likely be taking introductory courses and easing into college life, making it less intense compared to the following years.

Generally, the second year is known to be quite challenging. This is usually when you would take Organic Chemistry, which is notorious in the pre-med realm. It's a tough course that requires strong study habits and problem-solving skills, so don't feel discouraged if you find it tougher than other courses you've taken.

Your third year might still remain challenging as you will most likely be preparing for the MCAT and taking upper-level science courses. You might also be diving into your major's upper divisions more intensely at this time. However, by this time, most students have already gotten the hang of tackling their course work and managing their time efficiently.

In the fourth year, you might find some relief. This is generally when you would be applying to med schools and completing your major requirements, but the major hurdle of the MCAT would have already passed. So compared to the hustle and bustle of the third year, it could seem easier, although it still has its own set of challenges.

That being said, this timeline is just a general guide and individual experiences will differ. Your meeting times and tutor instructors can impact your experience with the courses, and some semesters might feel more challenging for personal reasons. Best of luck with your pre-med journey!