10 Things No One Tells You Before Starting Medical School

Thinking about going to medical school is exciting—but let’s be honest, it's also daunting. You’ve likely spent years preparing: from choosing a pre-med major and shadowing doctors to volunteering abroad and crushing your MCAT. But even with all that preparation, many students still wish they knew certain things before starting medical school.

This guide highlights ten key lessons every pre-med, medical, and healthcare student should know before Day 1. If you're looking to gain early clinical exposure, programs like Go Elective's medical internships abroad can help you hit the ground running with real-world insight before med school begins.

Let’s dive in.

Build Connections with Senior Students Early On

When you arrive at med school, you’ll meet dozens of brilliant peers. While bonding with fellow first-years is important, don’t overlook older students. They’ve already survived your professors, aced the same exams, and can offer insider tips—what to prioritize, how to study smart, and even how to manage clinical rotations.

Many medical students in Go Elective’s programs have reported similar benefits after shadowing senior healthcare professionals abroad. Start networking by joining student associations, identity-based medical groups, and specialty interest clubs. Relationships you form now may grow into mentorships and career connections that last a lifetime.

Avoid the Toxic Comparison Trap

Comparing yourself to classmates might seem natural—especially when surrounded by high-achievers. But here’s the truth: it doesn’t help. Everyone’s journey through medical school is different. One classmate might ace anatomy; another may struggle with it but thrive in clinical settings.

Define your own success metrics. Focus on steady growth, not perfection. Take care of your mental health, build a study routine that works for you, and surround yourself with supportive peers who celebrate your wins without judgment.

Don’t Abandon the Things That Bring You Joy

Med school will stretch you—but don’t let it strip you of what makes you you. Whether it’s hiking, yoga, watching comedies, or journaling, make time for activities that recharge your spirit.

Even during Go Elective's shadowing programs, students are encouraged to embrace cultural experiences like safaris and coastal hikes. These aren’t distractions—they’re fuel for long-term resilience. Joy is part of the journey, not something to delay until residency.

Seek Mentorship from Women and Minority Physicians

Representation matters. If you identify as a woman or belong to a historically marginalized group in medicine, connecting with physicians who share your identity can be empowering and eye-opening.

Join affinity-based medical organizations such as:

You can also build long-term relationships by staying in touch with mentors from undergrad, your clinical internships, or global health experiences like those offered through Go Elective.

Master Your Medical School Budget Early

The average med student graduates with over $200,000 in debt. While financial aid helps, managing your money proactively will reduce stress in the long term. Here’s how:

Brew your own coffee—daily café visits add up fast.
Cancel unused streaming services or share accounts with roommates.
Cook meals at home or share groceries with housemates.
Choose budget-friendly housing. A cozy apartment > an overpriced luxury pad.
Start repaying loans or setting aside savings whenever you can.

If you’re planning a study abroad internship, Go Elective offers flexible payment plans and short-term programs to ease financial burden while still gaining valuable experience.

Time Management Will Make or Break You

From lectures to clinicals to board prep, your time is your most limited resource. Learn to time-block, prioritize high-yield materials, and stick to a realistic schedule. Apps like Notion, Google Calendar, or Todoist can help organize your week. Most importantly, include breaks and time to unwind—you’ll perform better in the long run.

Study Smarter, Not Longer

Medical school demands active study strategies. Ditch the highlighters and start using:

Spaced repetition tools like Anki
Practice question banks (e.g., UWorld)
Concept mapping and group discussions

You don’t need to study for 10 hours a day—you need to retain and apply what you learn. Know what works for you and lean into it.

Embrace Failure as Part of the Learning Curve

You will face setbacks. You might bomb a quiz, forget something in clinic, or feel imposter syndrome creeping in. That’s normal.

The key? Resilience. Medical school is a marathon, not a sprint. Reflect, adjust, and move forward. Programs like Go Elective's internships prepare students for this reality by placing them in resource-constrained environments that sharpen critical thinking and adaptability.

Build Trust with Faculty and Mentors

Your attendings and professors are more than instructors—they’re potential mentors, recommenders, and advocates. Make the most of office hours. Show genuine interest in their specialty. Ask questions. Stay professional, and build relationships that can shape your career path.

Your Health Matters—Protect It

You can’t pour from an empty cup. Establish healthy routines: sleep 7+ hours, move your body, eat well, and protect your peace. Mental health is not a weakness—it’s a strength. Don’t hesitate to seek help from campus counseling or peer support groups.

Medical school is challenging—but with the right mindset, support system, and habits, it’s also one of the most transformative journeys you’ll ever take.

Bonus Tip: Get Clinical Experience Early with Go Elective

Want to start med school with more confidence and exposure than your peers? Apply to Go Elective and gain first-hand experience in hospitals across Kenya and Tanzania. Our pre-med and medical internships help you:

Shadow real doctors in high-volume hospitals
Explore specialties like pediatrics, surgery, OB/GYN, and emergency medicine
Engage in cultural experiences, from safari tours to public health outreach

Explore Go Elective’s global health internships and build a stronger foundation before your first lecture even begins