Goal Setting for A Successful Year: A Student Guide to Developing Habits
Success in a competitive BS/MD program requires more than just good grades—it takes strategic goal setting, disciplined habits, and a proactive mindset.
Whether you’re just starting high school or preparing for applications, here’s how you can set yourself up for success each year.
Freshman Year: Build a Strong Foundation
Freshman year is the perfect time to establish a solid academic and extracurricular foundation. Time management is crucial, so using a planner or digital calendar can help you track assignments and exams efficiently. Developing strong study habits early on will make future coursework more manageable.
Exploring extracurricular activities such as science clubs, volunteering, or research programs will help build a well-rounded profile. Additionally, forming strong relationships with teachers can lead to mentorship opportunities and valuable recommendation letters in the future.
Sophomore Year: Strengthen Your Academic & Extracurricular Profile
By sophomore year, students should challenge themselves with advanced coursework, such as AP classes, particularly pertaining to STEM subjects. Refining study techniques, including active recall and spaced repetition, can boost retention and performance.
This year is also a great time to seek out research opportunities or clinical exposure, such as shadowing doctors or volunteering in medical settings. Planning ahead can give you more opportunities and give you an advantage when reaching out to doctors.
Leadership experience in clubs and organizations will also strengthen your application and demonstrate initiative and commitment, so be sure to begin planning what clubs or organizations you may have an interest in leadership roles for. Taking on leadership roles in clubs and organizations will demonstrate initiative and commitment—both qualities that BS/MD programs value highly.
Junior Year: Preparation is Key
Junior year is one of the most critical periods for BS/MD hopefuls. Maintaining a high GPA should remain a priority while taking rigorous coursework to demonstrate academic strength. If standardized tests are required, it is essential to start preparing early for the SAT or ACT and consider taking subject tests if necessary. Seeking research internships or clinical experience will add significant value to your application.
Additionally, this is the time to begin crafting your college target list, researching specific BS/MD programs, understanding their requirements, and noting application deadlines. A strong personal narrative that highlights your passion for medicine and unique journey will also be important at this stage. Be sure to develop a habit of recording your experiences when they happen, helping you remember details for later.
Senior Year: Execute & Finish Strong
Senior year is when everything comes together. Finalizing BS/MD applications with well-crafted personal statements and essays is essential for making a strong impression. Securing letters of recommendation from teachers, mentors, or research supervisors should be done early. Preparing for interviews—whether Multiple Mini Interviews (MMI) or traditional formats—will help build confidence.
Staying on top of deadlines is crucial, as BS/MD programs, scholarships, and financial aid applications all have strict submission dates. Missing one could mean missing a major opportunity, so create a checklist to track every requirement. Even with applications in progress, maintaining academic performance is important, as BS/MD programs review the entire high school transcript.
Final Thoughts
Setting clear goals and cultivating strong academic habits can make the difference between a stressful experience and a successful BS/MD application. With the right mindset and consistent effort, students can position themselves as strong candidates.
For more expert insights and guidance on BS/MD admissions, check out the latest episode of the White Coat Club Podcast, where Lindsey and Nicole break down key strategies for preparing early and standing out in competitive applicant pools.