Tackling Exam Season

With midterms and finals around the corner, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, so here are a few pieces of advice to help you tackle this exam season! As a pre-med student, the path to medicine can feel overwhelming at times, and it's not uncommon to experience burnout or face academic setbacks along the way. You may find yourself feeling exhausted, emotionally drained, or questioning your abilities when you don’t perform as expected. I’ve been there, too. It’s easy to feel like you're falling behind when juggling rigorous coursework, clinical experiences, and the pressure to maintain a high GPA. But here’s the truth, these challenges don’t define you or your potential to become a great physician. Burnout is your body and mind signaling that you need rest, and academic setbacks are just part of the learning process.

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Taking time for self-care, whether that’s spending time with loved ones, engaging in hobbies, or simply allowing yourself to take a break, can help you recharge and refocus. It is also crucial to seek out additional support through various campus resources. UMich offers services like Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), where trained professionals can help you manage your stress, anxiety, or any other emotional challenges you may be facing. Wolverine Wellness Network is another valuable resource that offers programs to support your overall well-being, stemming from both physical and mental wellness. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help, whether from these university resources, a professor, a mentor, or a peer who understands what you’re going through. When faced with academic difficulties, approach them with self-compassion. Reflect on what didn’t go well, seek support, and adjust your study habits. It is so important to communicate with your professors, and most are more than willing to help if you reach out early and demonstrate the effort to continue working hard in your classes. Joining study groups or finding accountability partners can help keep you on track and motivated. Remember, medical schools value resilience and perseverance, so how you respond to challenges is often more important than the setback itself. Your journey as a future doctor is not about perfection; it’s about persistence, adaptability, and self-kindness. Through these challenges, you’re learning not just about medicine, but also how to care for yourself which is an essential skill for caring for others in the future.

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One key self-care practice to include is physical activity. Whether it’s going to the gym or going for a quick walk, it is recommended to get in at least 30 minutes of physical activity in a day. This will not only provide physical benefits, but can greatly alleviate stress. In addition to exercise, practicing mindfulness and meditation is strongly recommended. While things like meditation seem cliché, deep-breathing exercises and visualization are extremely effective ways to center your focus on yourself and your goals, and provide a much-needed mental break from your academic life. Apps like Calm and Headspace are great tools to help you navigate managing your mental health. Taking time to talk to friends, peers, and mental health professionals may also help in this aspect. In addition, getting 6-8 hours of sleep is an underrated aspect of self-care; it will energize you for a busy day ahead. Finally, making time for your hobbies would be beneficial in your journey of self-care. Personally, I enjoy reading - one of my biggest reasons for pursuing healthcare was found through a book - When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi. You never know how your hobbies could positively impact your goals and ambitions.

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When it comes to actually tackling the rigor of UMich academics – being effectively prepared and staying on top of things is one way to control outcomes. I’ve found that a structured study schedule that allocates specific blocks of time for each subject ensures an organized approach, and helps to avoid last-minute cramming. Utilizing active learning techniques like brain-dumps, summarizing material, and teaching your friends (or even your pets) can reinforce understanding. You might consider joining a study group, as they can provide motivation and allow for discussion with other students in similar situations. The Science Learning Center (SLC) is a peer-tutoring resource that many pre-med students find helpful, as study groups are run by students who have previously taken these rigorous courses. Furthermore, utilizing professors’ office hours and practice material will help familiarize you with the format and types of questions you’ll face. Despite everything, make sure to prioritize your well-being! Sleeping well, eating well, and taking mental health breaks will contribute to maintaining a positive mindset, allowing you to approach the midterm season with confidence.