Mentor of the Month
Behind Giving a Boost lies the invaluable contribution of our outstanding mentors. Learn more about some of our exceptional mentors below:
Sarah Amjad
Hometown: Pensacola, FL School: Mayo Clinic School of Medicine, AZ Year: MS2 |
What made you interested in joining GAB as a mentor?
I have always enjoyed teaching and mentoring students through tutoring undergraduate classes and tutoring the MCAT. I know how difficult the process can seem, so helping other students feel more connected and equipping students with the knowledge I wish I had is the best feeling. Especially for students who are first generation medical students or disadvantaged, I know that having someone who knows what you are going through is important and it is one of the ways I like to give it forward. What's one thing you wish you knew before applying to medical school? I wish I knew that everything was going to be okay. I wish I knew to relax and enjoy the little moments and joys of undergrad, gap years, etc. Life has a way of working out, and if I could tell my pre-med self about where I ended up, she wouldn’t believe me! In terms of tangible advice, I wish I knew to have more confidence in my application and be honest with myself about where I stand at the schools I am applying to. What helped you most during the application process? I took the MCAT in January the year I applied, which helped free up time to start getting my application together early. I think having that extra time made it easier for me to manage the entire process. After I submitted, I had practice interview questions prepared, which helped me feel less nervous on interview days. What's a tip you'd like to share with applicants? If you can, try and have a professional-looking background behind you on virtual interview days. At my university, there were interview rooms you could request that had a nice emblem, and I think it gave me more of a presence throughout the group interviewing process. Again, try your best to calm your nerves because interviewers are going to enjoy talking to you when you are your most relaxed, authentic self. Any additional words of wisdom? If you can, try and have a professional-looking background behind you on virtual interview days. At my university, there were interview rooms you could request that had a nice emblem, and I think it gave me more of a presence throughout the group interviewing process. Again, try your best to calm your nerves because interviewers are going to enjoy talking to you when you are your most relaxed, authentic self. |
