What It’s Really Like in Med School: Interview with a Second-Year Student

Navigating the path to medical school can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re unsure what to expect after acceptance. To give aspiring healthcare professionals a more realistic picture, we interviewed Talia Morgan, a second-year medical student at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, who generously shared her story—from becoming a CNA in high school to pushing through an MCAT retake and choosing the right medical school.

From Kindergarten Dreams to a Career in Medicine

Q: When did you first decide to become a doctor?

A: Honestly, I’ve wanted to be a doctor since I was little. I found old school worksheets from kindergarten that asked what we wanted to be when we grew up. I always answered “doctor.” That desire never really went away, even though I explored other careers growing up.

CNA Training and a Life-Changing Health Class

During my freshman year of high school, I enrolled in a health science course that introduced us to real-world medical cases. One day, we watched a video about a child undergoing brain surgery for hydrocephalus. I was captivated—and that’s when I first thought, “Maybe neurosurgery is for me.”

Since then, I’ve shifted gears from neurosurgery, but that was the first time I really considered a specialty seriously.

Gaining Clinical Experience in High School

Q: How did you prepare for medical school in high school?

A: I became a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and later trained as an EMT. It gave me a head start in patient care and helped me explore different clinical environments—nursing homes, ERs, hospital wards. I also spent time shadowing physicians in various specialties. That early exposure was key in confirming my interest in medicine and making me a stronger applicant later on.

Volunteering, Shadowing, and Taking a Breather in College

In college, I let myself enjoy the first couple of years without putting too much pressure on med school preparation. But by junior year, I got serious—volunteering at a hospital and animal shelter, shadowing again, and going on a short-term medical trip abroad with my partner.

I also built connections with professors to secure strong letters of recommendation and started tackling my upper-level science courses to prep for the MCAT.

The Unexpected Gap Year

Q: Did your gap year help you?

A: Definitely. Though it was unplanned—I didn’t get accepted on my first try—it was one of the best things that happened. I graduated in five years due to credit transfers and even did two semesters with 23 credit hours. I was burnt out and needed time to recover and reflect.

During my gap year, I paid off some loans, traveled, and worked two jobs: Cardiac Monitor Tech and Shift Lead at a smoothie bar. Funny enough, my smoothie job came up during my interview and helped me stand out!

Preparing for the MCAT (Twice)

Q: How did you approach the MCAT?

A: It was a marathon. I took a prep course during my last semester, followed by independent study using Kaplan books, Khan Academy for Psych/Soc, and weekly full-length practice exams. Practice tests helped me build mental stamina and pacing.

Q: Did you feel ready on test day?

A: Not really. The MCAT was the hardest test I’ve ever taken. I didn’t feel confident, but I ended up scoring above average. Still, I knew I could do better, and I decided to retake it during my gap year.

Resilience After Rejection

Getting rejected the first time was rough. But I knew I wanted to reapply. I refocused on volunteering, studied intensely, and took the MCAT again—this time, earning a score in the 80th percentile after three grueling weeks of 12–14-hour study days.

Building Back Confidence and Staying Busy

I poured myself into my jobs and studying. That built my confidence and reminded me that—even if I didn’t get in—I had worked hard and could be proud of that. When interview season rolled around again, I was ready.

Deciding Where to Attend

Q: How did you choose your med school?

A: I had a few acceptances, including one to a school in Texas that was half the price. But my partner was already a student at the University of Colorado, and ultimately, I decided being together during medical school would matter more than the lower tuition.

First-Year Reality Check

I expected to be energized and ready, but the pace hit me hard. Watching my partner go through med school didn’t prepare me for experiencing it firsthand. What helped me stay grounded was volunteering at a free clinic. It reminded me of my “why.”

Advice for Future Medical Students

On Secondary Applications

Be genuine. Avoid oversharing personal mental health challenges on applications—sadly, bias still exists. Focus on growth and resilience without raising red flags.

On Interview Days

Pay attention to your fellow interviewees—they might become your classmates. Look for a community where you feel like you belong.

On Unfair Interviews

If an interviewer is inappropriate or overly focused on personal identity factors, advocate for yourself. You’re allowed to request a new interview if things feel off.

On Letters of Recommendation

Choose recommenders who know you well. A heartfelt letter from a lab professor is more impactful than a generic one from someone with an impressive title.

Advice for New Med Students

Make Friends and Build Your Support System

You’ll need someone to celebrate and cry with. Don’t isolate yourself.

Don’t Compete—Collaborate

You’re not competing with classmates. Work together. Medicine is a team sport.

Find Your Own Study Rhythm

What works for others may not work for you. Discover and refine your system.

Use the Right Resources

Explore platforms like Sketchy, Pathoma, or Anki, and see what suits your learning style.

Make Time for Yourself

Protect your mental health. Even once a week, carve out time to disconnect.

But Also—Make Time to Study

Be upfront with loved ones about your limited availability. Balance is possible, but honesty is key.

Considering Your Own Journey?

If you’re inspired by Talia’s story and thinking about a future in medicine, now is the time to start building experience.

Go Elective offers immersive medical internships and pre-health shadowing programs in Kenya and Tanzania, where you can:

Shadow doctors in high-volume hospitals
Explore specialties like cardiology, general surgery, or pediatrics
Experience global health challenges firsthand
Gain leadership and cultural competence
Add strong experience to your med school application

Apply for our program at goelective.com/apply

Article Details

Travel with us.
Inquire Today!

Go Elective offers immersive opportunities for medical students, pre-med undergraduates, residents, nursing practitioners, and PAs to gain guided invaluable experience in busy hospitals abroad. Discover the power of study, travel, and impact.