Name: Niha Putta
Hometown: Lexington, MA School: UMass Chan Medical School Year: MS1 |
What made you interested in joining GAB as a mentor?
I remember feeling overwhelmed during the medical school application process and was grateful for the support systems that helped me navigate through it. Throughout college and my gap years, I especially felt grateful to have the guidance and support of amazing mentors. As a part of GAB, I am excited to share my experiences and pass on what I've learned to help other students navigate through the application process! What's one thing you wish you knew before applying to medical school? The medical school application process is influenced by so many different factors and there is no singular formula for success. Instead, it was helpful for me to regularly reflect on my own experiences so that I was able to write and speak passionately about how I was learning and growing What helped you most during the application process? For me, I really relied on the support of my family and friends during the application cycle. Setting up study sessions with my friends, making sure to take breaks hiking with my dog, and cultivating hobbies helped me stay motivated and maintain a sense of balance. What's a tip you'd like to share with applicants? It's natural to worry about the next steps during the application cycle, whether it's while submitting secondaries or waiting for interview invitations and decision letters. However, it's crucial to remember to focus on the factors that you can control. At a certain point, I found it helpful to acknowledge the effort I've put in and to focus on my own progress. Everyone’s timeline is different! Any additional words of wisdom? It's always helpful to remind yourself why you want to pursue a career in medicine. The application process can be a bit intimidating, but understanding your motivations and being able to express them can make it more manageable. So, take a deep breath and keep your "why" in mind! |