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Hello all my fellow pre-meds! If you’re applying this cycle, you know how close the applications are, and I just wanted to give some words of encouragement since I am also going through the same thing!

First things first, you must take your MCAT before June to get the most you can out of your application!

My best advice for the MCAT is do not overthink during the exam. I took a course on how to take the MCAT, and I realized that the exam is not there to trick you. Most of the questions are straightforward, and I learned that I should always go with my first pick. The more you overthink, the more likely you are to change your answer and end up getting it incorrect!

I strongly recommend taking practice exams! This is a great way to see what approach is best for you in high stress situations. On days that you do take the practice exam, make sure you set up an area that is as close as possible to the actual exam room. Plan out your meals and breaks as well! This ensures that you won’t get blindsided on test day with how fast paced and lengthy the exam is.

Okay, so you've taken your exam. What happens now?

Research various medical schools and see which ones are the best fit for you. You can go on the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) website and research different programs. Then, make sure you get your letters of recommendation. These letters are CRUCIAL for your application, since they can make or break it. Every school requires a different amount, so make sure you see how many your med school of choice wants.

Focus on your application as soon as it opens. Applications are available a month before they need to be turned in. Make sure you start early, so you don't lag then feel stressed by any deadlines. The application may take you a while to complete, but don’t feel discouraged! Take the time to perfect it and make it truly unique. Remember, you are showcasing yourself to a very competitive field, and it is easy to feel imposter syndrome when doing so. Don’t allow your self-doubt to pull you down. Believe in yourself, you got this far, right?

When you're finally done with the most stressful part, the application, relax! You've done the best you could have done up until now. Congratulate yourself, feel accomplished, you are amazing. Do not find yourself waiting around for emails regarding interviews or acceptances, live your life to its fullest. Don’t feel tied down by the burden you let go the minute you pressed submit.

To everyone applying, whether it be this cycle, or the next – good luck and congratulations!

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the ɫèAV Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us –����to pitch your idea and get started! 

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We have all heard of APs, or Advanced Placement courses, and many of us have probably taken a few. In my experience, a majority of my peers in high school took around 2-3 AP classes per year, averaging around 12 total Advanced Placement courses by graduation. Let's be real: most didn't put themselves through this strenuous academic experience for the hope to learn more about riveting microeconomics or DNA strands. They did it for their college resumes, and the glorifying view to include each and every course on their Ivy League applications. But why isn't this enough?

My High School Experience

From 2020 to 2024, I went to one of the most academically rigorous high schools in the Bay Area. I performed in the theatre arts program for my high school all four years, on top of being a club officer for three clubs throughout my time. I was infamously known as one of the select few students who would only leave school when it was dark, due to the long rehearsals that were pretty much year-round. I was a classic theatre kid, but I also took my academics seriously. Though my experience was filled with long lasting memories and provided me with the ability to be where I am today, high school was a time of immense stress for everyone around me, especially due to the high levels of competitiveness specifically centered around a GPA craze and the obsession to constantly do more than your peers. I was never someone who wanted to take APs. To this day, I don’t regret taking solely one honors Spanish class and enjoying the rest of my school days. Here's why.

The AP Appeal

There’s no question that Advanced Placement courses give students a GPA boost and prepare them for a more difficult college curriculum. Moreso, various AP high school courses can land students credit that can carry on to college. So yes, there is a relatively understandable appeal. The issue isn’t merely taking an AP biology course if one plans to be a nursing major. The real problem is the number of APs students are taking, and the false reality they are sliding into that makes many believe that these classes are all a person needs to get into college. I believe that the issue is often not caused by a single person. As each graduating year goes by, peer pressure grows stronger. A small whisper in the year to take the “easy” AP Psychology class begins spreading the rumors. The phrase “everything is okay in moderation” doesn’t just apply to the number of donuts a person consumes in one morning. Taking a schedule consisting of a majority of AP courses is neither healthy nor enjoyable. Additionally, it doesn’t do as much as one might believe for their college applications.

College App Curations

In my opinion, a well-rounded college application includes an academically sound record, various extracurricular activities, and special and additional features like volunteer hours or commitments to specific outside pursuits. In fact, several admission websites state that a 4.0+ GPA and 12-15 APs aren’t primarily nor solely what admission officers look at. The biggest way to achieve this application layout while truly making the most out of one’s high school years is researching by themselves, minus the peer pressure culture. More often than not, the more people search and examine certain classes themselves, the less likely they will be to overload themselves with classes they never wanted in the first place. Doing what is best for one’s academic, intellectual, and recreational aspirations is the most important factor at the end of the day.

High school is supposed to be a time to savor the last sips of our childhood before launching into the real world, where nothing is measured by a test score of one to five.

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the ɫèAV Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us –����to pitch your idea and get started! 

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Communication is the foundation of education; furthermore, it is the foundation of society. How many times a day do you ask a question? How about asking a friend to study? Or even something more critical like discussing a grade with a professor? As college students, we use our voices relentlessly, whether in social, academic, or professional settings. Professors communicate their well-known knowledge to eager students ready to jump-start their careers. However, it may not be that simple for every student. Many students face language barriers that create challenges both in and out of the classroom. Whether due to disabilities, language differences, or communication disorders, students who struggle to communicate miss critical opportunities. Thankfully, accessibility services help students work around these barriers and access education.

Before studying language and communication in my undergraduate courses, I thought accessibility meant extra time on exams or wheelchair ramps. However, accessibility is much broader. Communication tools like augmentative or alternative communication (AAC) devices, interpreters, and assistive technology, support students with visual, auditory, mobility, or cognitive challenges. Recognizing the privilege of effortless communication is essential.

Communication accessibility is a crucial support in education. Millions of individuals, from young children to those in higher education, face communication challenges. Despite these difficulties, accessibility services provide essential support. One of the most valuable systems is AAC. These tools range from low-tech communication boards to high-tech speech-generating devices. Communication is not limited to spoken words—it includes a variety of methods. AAC devices allow individuals to express their thoughts, engage in classrooms, and interact with peers and educators. For students with conditions such as Autism, Cerebral Palsy, or aphasia, AACs provide alternative communication where traditional speech may be difficult. Implementing these devices in schools fosters inclusivity and supports education.

Beyond AAC devices, many other accessibility services assist learners. Interpreters are vital in education, helping students who speak different languages or use sign language. Learning about the Deaf community and its history has deepened my understanding of accessibility. Deaf students were once forced to use oral methods despite the challenges, limiting their educational opportunities. The focus was on assimilation rather than individual development. This issue extends beyond Deaf history to broader societal attitudes toward disabilities. Recognizing andadvocating for accessibility services in education is essential.

Additional assistive tools benefit students with physical and cognitive disabilities. Screen readers and text-to-speech software support visually impaired students, while Braille materials and tactile graphics provide crucial access to information. Adaptive keyboards assist individuals with mobility impairments, and wheelchair-accessible classrooms ensure physical accessibility. While these services exist, more advocacy is needed to raise awareness and ensure implementation. Despite progress, challenges remain in educational accessibility. A lack of awareness and understanding hinders the expansion of essential services.

Accessibility is not a want—it is a necessity. Breaking down barriers in education requires more than technology; it requires a cultural shift toward inclusion. Supportive services create environments where all students can succeed. As students, we must advocate for our peers and promote accessibility in education. By making education more inclusive, we empower students to become active learners and achievers.

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the ɫèAV Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us –����to pitch your idea and get started! 

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Like for most students, the transitions between breaks and school have been anything but fun for me. Somehow three hour-long classes seemed to last days during those weeks in which I was still getting used to school. Over time, and with lots of trial and error, I feel as though I have perfected the art of the back-to school-transition. Especially after Spring Break, which barely feels like a break at all, I make sure to follow a specific routine to get back into my “grind-set” (grind mindset).

Getting a Head Start

Arguably the most important part of effectively transitioning back into school after a break is preparing before it even starts. Spring break is short, and it goes by fast, so by a day or so to do nothing helps you come back rested. Additionally, you can use this time to reflect on the semester so far: on what you’d like to continue or stop doing, on moments and people that you appreciated, and anything else you deem notable.

Sleep Schedule

The next step is to re-establish a sleep schedule that works with my class schedule. For example, if my first class is at 9 am, and I know it takes me about an hour and a half to get ready in the morning. I start waking up at around 7am and go to bed around 11pm to get the amount of sleep I want. By jumping right back into the habit I had before break limits the shock of a sudden transition once classes reconvene.

Keeping an Agenda

Ahead of my first back in class, I review any assignments for classes in the upcoming week. In my physical agenda (although many students also do this either on an online calendar or spreadsheet), I mark the date of all my tests and assignments whose due date is already posted, as well as reminders to study for those tests. This not only saves me time in the future but also saves me the stress of forgetting an upcoming assignment or being unaware of certain class expectations.

Go With the Flow

The final, but arguably the most crucial part of my routine, is to not take myself too seriously. Along with the stress of what remains of the current semester comes the joy of knowing that there are countless new opportunities coming your way. Classes are hard and getting back into a routine can be even harder, but trust that you are more than capable of overcoming anything that comes your way.

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the ɫèAV Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us –����to pitch your idea and get started! 

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In today's hyper-competitive job market, especially in tech, students are facing increasing pressure to elevate their technical skills well beyond traditional coursework. As a sophomore in Computer Engineering the standard college curriculum focuses heavily on theoretical concepts, leaving a gap between what we learn in the classroom and the applied skills demanded by the industry. As I navigated this gap, I turned to online coding courses and independent projects, which not only helped me earn certifications but also strengthened my problem-solving abilities and deepened my understanding of the concepts taught in class. Here are three actionable tips and resources that have helped me and can help other students in similar situations develop in-demand technical skills while still in school.

Tip #1: Utilize Self-Paced Coding Platforms

Since my senior year of high school, I’ve been using Codecademy to teach myself programming languages like HTML/CSS and Python, and it’s been a game-changer for my growth in tech. The platform offers courses tailored to every skill level, hands-on projects to sharpen your abilities, and clear, step-by-step explanations of complex software concepts. What makes it even better is the flexibility to complete courses on your own time, making it perfect for busy students. Plus, finishing a course earns you a certification to showcase your skills and boost your visibility in the industry. Leveraging my Codecademy experience played a huge role in my recruiting success this past semester, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking to build or refine their programming skills.

Tip #2: Work on Personal Projects

Personal projects are an amazing way to develop technical skills while pursuing something you’re passionate about. Currently I’m combining my love for yoga with my technical interests by building a Python-powered web app to help people explore yoga as a wellness tool. As Vice President of my campus Yoga and Meditation group, this project feels deeply meaningful and allows me to merge my passions with my growing skill set. Using resources like YouTube and GitHub, I’m excited to tackle this challenge head-on. Personal projects like these not only sharpen your skills but also show recruiters your initiative and drive to learn. Find something you love or a problem you care about—and start creating!

Tip #3: Take Advantage of Corporate Tech Resources

Many top tech companies like Microsoft, Google, IBM, and NVIDIA offer free online learning platforms packed with resources to help you build programming skills, explore real-world applications, and prepare for technical interviews. These platforms give you a unique opportunity to learn directly from the companies shaping the tech industry, providing insights into their projects, technologies, and workflows. For example, Microsoft Learn offers interactive modules and challenges, Google’s Applied Digital Skills covers hands-on programming and AI tools, and IBM SkillsBuild provides access to cloud computing and AI resources. NVIDIA also has a rich catalog focusing on GPU programming and AI development.

Breaking into tech can feel intimidating, but building a strong foundation of skills is the key to boosting your confidence and unlocking new opportunities! Use your time away from school to dive into independent study and sharpen those marketable skills that will set you apart. If you’ve secured an internship that requires technical programming skills but don’t feel fully prepared yet (like I once did), this is the perfect time to bridge that gap. Learning beforehand will not only help you feel more confident going in but also allow you to make the most of the experience and grow and develop while you work. Remember, every step you take is progress—invest in yourself, and watch the doors open!

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the ɫèAV Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us –����to pitch your idea and get started! 

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Graduating college early wasn’t a goal I initially set for myself; in fact, I thought I would take the full four years to get my degree. However, as I progressed through my courses, I realized I was ahead in my major-required classes and the idea of graduating early was possible. My main motivation was to save on college expenses and decrease the time of doing long distance with my significant other. Here are the strategies that helped me balance my schedule and achieve this feat.

The first step was setting clear goals. Once I decided to graduate early, I mapped out a timeline, identifying the courses I needed to complete. Creating a degree progression plan helped me gain clarity and kept me focused throughout my journey. Analyzing my course load was equally important; I carefully evaluated the required classes and sought opportunities to take summer and online courses to maximize my credit hours. Taking month-long summer courses and 7.5 week courses during the school year really helped me achieve my goals.

Time management became crucial as I juggled my new school schedule along with extracurriculars and jobs. I prioritized tasks using a detailed weekly planner, breaking down my workload into a visualized to-do list. Creating a routine is essential to maintaining balance and productivity in a busy college schedule. I made it a priority to carve out time for self-care, exercise, and social activities, all of which were key to preventing burnout.

Leveraging campus resources also made a significant difference in my journey. I utilized tutoring centers, sought guidance from academic advisors, and built a support system of friends and mentors who encouraged me along the way. My academic advisor assisted me with creating a degree progression plan, which helped map out my remaining semesters. She made sure all of the requirements to graduate were fulfilled and set me up for success!

Of course, the path wasn’t without its challenges. I faced obstacles that tested my resolve, but I learned to adapt and overcome them. At first, my goal was to graduate early so I could pursue a graduate degree, but after exploring my options, that’s no longer my focus. My journey has been anything but straightforward, with many adjustments along the way. Each pivot taught me valuable lessons about resilience and adapting to change.

In conclusion, balancing my schedule to graduate early was a rewarding challenge that required dedication, planning, and a commitment to personal well-being. I learned valuable time management skills that will serve me well in the future, and I discovered the importance of setting clear goals and prioritizing tasks. This experience not only boosted my academic confidence but also allowed me to pursue other goals outside of school!

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the ɫèAV Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us –����to pitch your idea and get started! 

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Have you ever stalled out on blogging because of your schedule, writer's block, or lack of direction? Blogging is trickier than it seems. Curating topics that interest your audience and delivering consistent quality content requires more than just literary or marketing skills. Generative AI can help you brainstorm relevant and engaging topics to have ready for when inspiration strikes (or your schedule allows).��

Blogs often go unnoticed for their value in academic and career development, but they hold immense potential. Blogs can significantly enrich your portfolio by showcasing your passions and interests. Blogging also allows you to delve deeper into subjects, explore intriguing topics from your classes, and establish your unique voice in your industry.��
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How Generative AI Can Help��
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Generative AI like ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot can help define your blog's theme and discover related topics. Currently, these tools are best for ideation and brainstorming, rather than full-fledged copywriting.��
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These tools generate content based on patterns from vast training data. However, it's important to note that generative AI has limitations and requires regular auditing. While AI provides the foundation, your creativity and direction turn those ideas into compelling content. Think of AI as your brainstorming partner, not a replacement.��
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Here's a simple guide to get you started!��

Identify Your Blog's Subject��

Your subject could be as broad as environmentalism but works best with a narrower subject like sustainable fashion. Understanding your audience and their interests early in planning ensures you create content they care about. For example, prompt the AI: "List the different people interested in sustainable fashion with a summary of their perspectives and motivations."��
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Brainstorm Topics Related to Your Subject��

While you can certainly ask the AI directly for article ideas, the real power of generative AI lies in its collaborative potential. Use multiple prompts to brainstorm diverse and creative topics, such as unexpected ideas, different perspectives, ideas for new studies, and a summary of academic thinking about your subject. For example, continue with the prompt: "You are a consumer interested in sustainable fashion. What questions would you have?"��
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Organize and Expand on Your Topics��

Collaborating with generative AI is a non-linear process, and you are encouraged to circle back to prompts from a different writing "phase" whenever you need to ideate and elaborate on a previous idea. Still, a great prompt to use at this stage is to ask the AI to generate a mind map of your subject to visualize how topics connect. For instance, prompt: "Create an organized mind map about sustainable fashion." ��
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Bringing it All Together��

After this collaboration with generative AI, you should have a clear vision for your blog with topics and sub-topics to expand on during future writing sessions. Use this tool to streamline your blogging process and spark creativity. No more endless brainstorming sessions that exhaust you before you even start writing.����
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Blogging isn't just about posting; it's about sharing your unique perspective, building expertise, and connecting with a broader audience. The benefits are substantial enhancing your portfolio, deepening your knowledge, and establishing your voice in your field. AI can assist you in creating a structured plan that allows you to focus on what truly matters—writing compelling content that resonates with your readers.��

Note: Generative AI is developing rapidly, and these prompts may need tweaking to adapt to updated models.��

Credit (and thanks) to Dave Birss for inspiration on these prompts!��

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the ɫèAV Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us –����to pitch your idea and get started! 

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I’ve heard from many of my classmates that the first exam for a class is the most nerve-wracking of them all. Not only will your exam grade set the tone for the rest of the semester, you’ll also see whether you are meeting or failing the expectations that you set for yourself. I’ve personally been through both scenarios; feeling the exhilaration of nailing the first exam, only to feel completely crushed by another exam later that day. Whether you passed or failed, I’m here to give you some tips on how you can reset, recenter, and refocus for the rest of the semester.

If you did well on the first exam, you’ll probably feel like you’re on top of the world, at least for a couple of days. You’re already thinking about all the extra nap time you’ll have instead of needing to study or cram for that next one. I’m here to tell you: That. Is. A. Trap! Don’t let that good feeling cloud or change how you approach the rest of the semester! Imagine this as a reset of sorts; pretend that first exam didn’t happen. Remember how you got to this point in the first place: solid study habits, asking questions when you’re unsure, and taking mental breaks when needed. I’m not saying to not enjoy the moment; there’s something to be said about resting on your laurels for a while. However, it is important to stay focused and keep that goal of yours from the beginning of the semester in mind. Whether that was to maintain a 4.0 GPA or to just scrape by that hard chemistry class with a C, early success can completely derail a semester of good work if you aren’t focusing on how to continue that success.

On the other hand, if you did poorly on the first exam, it can feel like your entire semester has crashed and burned before it even began. The stress of knowing that you must work even harder for the rest of the class can destroy whatever motivation you had beforehand. Take some solace in the fact that nearly every student has been in your shoes before! It’s not an uncommon experience and you can absolutely turn it around with some adjustments. Take some time to recenter and take care of your mental state before anything else; this is a tough time, and it really pays off to make sure you’re back in the right mindset. Go exercise, focus on your hobbies, or just hang out with your friends. Do something that will take your mind off the low grade for a little while. For me, I like to go hiking or hit the trails with my friends. Being in nature tends to ground me and helps calm me down after a stressful experience. Once you feel ready, reflect on what happened; did I need to study more? Should I have attended office hours? Find actionable and measurable steps you can take to improve your next result.

After the first exam, pass or fail, it’s important to refocus on the goals you set for yourself! This was the first major milestone for you! Think about what you expected to happen versus what happened and how that might change your goal. Maybe now you can take more time for yourself or conversely, maybe now you need to stay in the library for that extra hour or two. There are an infinite number of ways to get where you want to go; the most important thing is to choose the path that works the best for you. When in doubt, just remember the three R’s; reset, recenter, and refocus.

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the ɫèAV Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us – to pitch your idea and get started! 

Many students, myself included, have struggled to figure which major to choose in college. Having the opportunity to add concentrations, minors, and certificates to your degree allows you to pick a major while adding other interests. Pursuing multiple majors, minors, or certificates is a strategic approach that not only enhances one's personal development but also their professional marketability. Having a multifaceted education offers a comprehensive and complex skill set as well as adaptability, which are highly sought after attributes.

Customize Your Degree

Multiple academic qualifications facilitate the development of a diversified skill set. In today’s job market, employers are looking for individuals who have a broad spectrum of skills and knowledge, not just an expert in a singular field. For example, a student majoring in Marketing might choose to concentrate in Marketing Research and Analytics and add a minor in Sales. That combination of studies allows the individual to have a unique blend of skills, making them versatile and capable of contributing various things to a project or company.

Combines Disciplines

Pursuing multiple disciplines encourages a holistic understanding of complex issues. This is particularly beneficial in careers that integrate different perspectives, leading to innovative solutions and breakthroughs. For example, combining Environmental Science with Political Science and a certificate in Sustainability equips graduates with scientific knowledge, policy understanding, and sustainable knowledge needed to take on environmental challenges. This not only enhances problem-solving skills but also prepares individuals to address issues with a well-rounded perspective.

Proves Work Ethic

The pursuit of multiple majors, minors, and certificates is a testament to an individual’s commitment, work ethic, and intellectual curiosity. The individual’s willingness to go beyond the bare minimum expresses an eagerness to engage further in the learning process. These are specific qualities that employers are looking for because they suggest a motivated and dedicated approach to one's professional development. The connections between multiple departments also offers significant advantages. They offer diverse perspectives, mentorship opportunities, and access to a broader array of career paths and networking opportunities.

The enrichment of one’s academic and professional development can be enhanced with the completion of multiple majors, minors, or certificates. It equips students with a broad skill set and adaptability needed to excel in today’s workforce. This lays a foundation for lifelong learning and career development.

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the ɫèAV Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us –����to pitch your idea and get started! 

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