She sees the future.
This past week I talked with two young women about their college choices. Both have worked extremely hard in high school and achieved great things. Both have been recognized for their achievements with some amazing college acceptances. And both are committed to becoming doctors.
I believe that both will achieve that dream, and I'm hopeful that they will, because they will be the type of doctors that I want to take care of me in the future! Let me explain...
I work with a lot of students that apply to medical school. Many make it in, while others pivot to another health care field. And the reason that they pivot is that they didn't think ahead. You see, the most critical components of a successful med school application are undergraduate GPA and MCAT scores. Without those, your application simply won't move forward. But that’s just the beginning. Med schools love to see research, excellent recommendations, and relevant clinical experience as well -- after all, medicine is a caring profession (or should be).
So what did these young women do to elicit my desire to have them for my doctors in the future? They saw the bigger picture.
They've chosen to attend not the college that is highest in the rankings or that all of their friends drool over, but the school where they will have the most opportunities. The school where they won't just be in the middle of the pack in Organic Chemistry, but where they will ace it. The school where their professors will throw research opportunities at them and most likely will swoon over them in a recommendation. Where they will most likely get a strong committee letter and the full support of their pre-med advisor. Where they will still be challenged but not overwhelmed.
You see, I want my future doctor to be able to step back and see the bigger picture. To plan ahead and be thoughtful. To not be distracted by the "shiny thing," but know what is most efficient and effective. And to care and be committed. Get ready med schools; I've got two gems coming your way.